I have a two year old beagle. This Wed. she will be spayed. She has been having problems keeping weight on. She only weighs about 19 pounds. I was wondering if after she is spayed if she will gain weight? If so, is there anything that I can feed her or give her to make her gain weight more after her surgery? Please help. She is supposively healthy just a bit under weight.

Are you sure she is under weight? Evaluate the dog as illustrated in this link, LongLiveYourDog.com - Life Span Study - Rate Your Dog (http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx) You may want the vet to confirm your judgment. Usually the vets insist on a check up before operating. It could turn up something not found before.

That spaying a dog makes it get fat is a myth that won't die. True, a dog may burn off less nervous energy after being spay/neutered. Also if done about 6 months, the dog is past its peak growth and may need its chow cut back spay/neutered or not.

If you are feeding a concentrated, meat based chow, such as Pro Plan or Iams, stick to it. There isn't much else to do. Most dogs have their life shortened by being over weight. Other dogs you are comparing her may be over weight. Best to except it if yours is a little on the thin side.

Sara, I agree with labman. Since you are bringing her in to be spayed tomorrow, why don't you write down a list of any questions you may have, including the food issue, and talk to the vet or his staff about. Remember to include what you are feeding her and how much you are feeding her. A little underweight is not a bad thing and isn't something to be overly concerned with.