What is a term used to describe difficult labor in dogs?

Dystocia is the term specifically used to refer to difficult labor in dogs. This condition can involve various complications during the birthing process, including physical obstructions, abnormal positioning of the puppies, or hormonal imbalances that impede the normal progression of labor. Recognizing dystocia is important for ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and her puppies, as it may require veterinary intervention to facilitate a safe delivery.

Parturition is a general term that describes the act of giving birth, which encompasses the entire process rather than solely focusing on complications. Whelping, while commonly used to describe the act of a dog giving birth, specifically applies to the birthing moment itself and does not indicate any difficulties associated with it. Contraction refers to the muscular contractions that occur during labor but does not specifically highlight the potential complications that could arise. Understanding these definitions helps clarify why dystocia is the appropriate term for difficult labor in dogs.