I have just been looking back at all the post re: heat pads and heat lamps, I think that heat pads are probably the best option but i'm not sure what size to go for, considering a litter of 10 pups could be a possibility, what would anyone else advise?

Also are the heat pads from Argos suitable (i have seen them recommended by another poster) or are the ones available from petnap/hyperdrug going to be more suited to the job?

thanks

chocymolly.

Hi Chocymolly, I brought my heat pad from petnap, never seen the ones from argos. My girl had 10 pups and it was really good, only comes in one size, I think, and I have a large breed.

HTH Lynn.

Hi

would you recomend using a heat pad if raising the litter in a centrally heated house?

Thanks

Wendy

I've always raised my pups indoors, and never needed a heat pad. I put the whelping box under a table, with curtains all around to make a dark, cosy den, and the extra body-warmth from the dam in a comfortably heated (not hot) room has been plenty.

It is not just about having a central heated house IMHO. It is keeping the room at a set constant temperature, 100% free from Drafts. AS JG has said draping around the whelp box is great for draft preventing.

I put 3 puppy panels up around the box and hang a quilted bed through around these 3 panels. Snug as a bug.

I use my heat pad for the first few days all the time and then only at at night I cover it with 2 layers of vet bed so that the direct heat is not confined to one area.

Slgihtly off topic but regarding heat.
I was reading an article just a couple days ago. I will need to see if I can find the link.. It was interesting though about how the extra heat in the first week can help save puppies who had contracting Herpes who may have faded under normal conditions. It was suggested the higher heat supressed it then when the puppies own body could hold it's own temperature it was safe.( creating a fever I think)   Was very suprised at the % of bitches they suggested had it .  Kayc posted a good article of Herpes also

Hi Blue,

I have just read the article by Kayc, very informative, don't know how to link it up for others to read  :)

chocymolly