new lab

Question
About three weeks ago we lost our beloved Lab named Jesse. She was 12 and died suddenly due to hemmoraghing in the abd. caused by a liver tumor. We are of course devestated and she was like a sister to my 12 year old son. She went everywhere he did and even went on weekends with him to his dad's. His dad loved her too as we all did and my older sons in college are grieving as well. We just adopted another lab female who is 5. She is so pretty and sweet natured. Very laid back and house trained, etc. She has warmed up to us a lot and still is having some adjustment problems. She has not used the bathroom (poop) in almost two weeks and just started urinating outside and would go a little inside. Not eating great but coming around. Is this bathroom problem common? Should we put her on a special food? She is a little chubby so I know she has eaten in her day!ha. She will be fine but seems to be hesitant about going out and has to be encouraged. We are taking her on a leash now but I was wondering if we should let her go out on her own with us of course.. Maybe the leash is the thing. I know she loves to go on walks.. Can you help and should we take her to the vet about the bathroom issue? Thanks so much. Susan

Answer
I would get her into the vet along with any medical info you have on her.  She just needs a good check up and perhaps an update on shots plus perhaps flea and heartworm remedy.  Talk to the vet about the lack of bowel movements.  Two weeks seems unlikely to me.  Perhaps she is hiding them.  I would do lots of walks where you can keep an eye on her.  If you are doing off leash, she may be managing to hide long enough for a bowel movement.  If she has to do one in front of you, lavish praise on her.  She may need to learn she is allowed to have bowel movements in front  of you.  I would also check the corners of your house looking for hidden bowel movements.  

I wouldn't worry about the food.   I feel too many people worry about food too much.  Except for poorly bred ones, most dogs will thrive on most chows.  This is quite obvious in the service dog programs where the schools breed thousands of dogs and most of them do very well on whatever common brand the school is feeding, Iams, Pro Plan, Science diet, Purina 1, etc.  if otherwise she is doing OK on what you are feeding, stick to it.