Keeping your whelping and puppy areas clean is essential for the health and safety of both nursing moms and their litters. In this Vet Minute, Dr. Marty Greer, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, shares expert advice on how to safely disinfect areas where puppies are born and raised.

Learn which puppy-safe disinfectants to use, why it’s critical to remove organic debris before disinfecting, and how to follow label instructions for proper dilution, contact time, and rinsing. Plus, discover why mixing disinfectants can be dangerous and should always be avoided.

Maintaining a clean, germ-free environment is one of the most important things you can do to raise healthy puppies. Watch now to ensure your cleaning routine is safe and effective!

Why Choosing the Right Puppy-Safe Disinfectant Matters

Keeping your whelping and puppy areas clean is essential to raising healthy litters. However, not all disinfectants are created equal—especially when it comes to fragile newborn puppies. Young puppies have delicate, thin skin that can easily absorb harmful chemicals, so it’s critical to choose a disinfectant that is both effective and safe for use around them. Selecting a puppy-safe disinfectant helps minimize risk while still protecting against bacteria and viruses that can threaten a newborn’s health.

How to Properly Clean Before Disinfecting Whelping Areas

Before you apply any disinfectant, make sure to thoroughly remove all organic material such as feces, leftover food, and debris. This step is crucial, as disinfectants can’t work properly if dirt and oils are left behind. Start with a good cleaning using a mild detergent. Once the area is cleaned, follow label directions carefully for diluting your disinfectant, applying it evenly, and allowing proper contact time, which may vary based on room temperature. Some products also require rinsing after use, so be sure to follow all safety instructions. Products such as the Wysiwash® Sanitizing System automatically mixes the solution for you, ensuring proper dilution every time—and it’s safe for animal direct contact immediately after application.

Disinfecting Safely: Contact Time, Mixing Rules, and Best Practices

Never mix disinfectants unless the label specifically instructs you to do so. Combining products not meant to be used together can release harmful fumes or neutralize their effectiveness. The goal is to create a safe, hygienic environment for both moms and puppies without introducing unnecessary risks. By selecting the right products and following proper cleaning protocols, you’ll be supporting the health, safety, and development of every puppy in your care.

Protect Newborns with Gentle Cleaning for Mom

Keeping mom clean is essential to maintaining a hygienic environment for nursing puppies and kittens. Because newborn skin is thin and delicate, it easily absorbs chemicals during nursing, increasing the risk of illness or even loss. To help protect these vulnerable babies, use gentle, non-toxic cleaning products on mom—especially around her tail area, where parasites may be present. Breeder’s Edge® NurseMaid™ Wipes are specially formulated for this purpose, offering a safe and effective way to reduce chemical exposure while supporting a clean and healthy nursing space.

If you need help choosing the best cleaning and disinfecting products for your whelping area, call a Revival Animal Care Specialist at 800.786.4751.