constipation

Question
Hi, I have a 9yr old Labrador, due to inactivity he has gained weight, normally he eats 1 can of chunky dog food, my son bought dry dog food dietary and we mix it with 1/2 can, he does not like it much, but he has been constipated for 2 days, it breaks my heart to see him struggle.....what could I give him??? I have glycerin suppositories for me can I insert some and help him relieve his lower bowel?????????
Please help me with suggestions.

Answer
Dogs' digestive systems are quite different from ours.  Often constipation in a dog is a symptom of something serious and laxatives can do more harm than good.  I would think that the suppository would be safer than other home remedies.  I guess you could try it, but be ready to take him tothe vet.  

Trying to reduce his weight is a good idea.  If the dog never did eat very well, and has seen the vet since the problem existed, you may be over feeding it. A vet check still won't hurt. Many dogs will snarf down more than is good for them and look for more. Others refuse to eat more than than they need. Evaluate the dog as illustrated in this link, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx You may want the vet to confirm your judgment. Adjust the dogs food and exercise as needed to reach its ideal body condition. Some German Shepherds and other breeds may refuse to eat enough to completely hid their ribs. As long as you are feeding a concentrated, meat based chow, the best thing is to accept it.

The worst thing you can do is to bribe a dog with rich foods into eating more than it needs. Instead, Put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs. Continue to check its ribs and adjust the food as needed. This is not easy. I had a Shepherd go 3 days on a few nibbles. I was a wreck, but she was fine. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog not to eat what it needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is less than the package says, and less than the owner thinks the dog should have. Many dogs are quite good at holding out for tastier chow. Like kids, sometimes it calls for tough love.