How to put weight on

[Glacier]

If you really think she needs to gain a bit, I'd use Satin Balls:
10# hamburger meat
1 jar wheat germ
1 lg box of oatmeal (uncooked)
1 1/4 Cup vegetable oil
10 eggs
10 sm pkgs unflavored gelatin
1 1/4 Cup unflavored molasses
A pinch of salt
1 lg box Total cereal (2lb's)

That's a huge recipe. You could cut it down if you don't have room to freeze the extras. I freeze it in small ziploc baggies. Just take out of the freezer and hand it to the dog. I've never had a dog refuse to eat them. I used them alot when Paxil was battling cancer.

I don't think she sounds dangerously skinny though. I have several dogs that I can see vertabrae or ribs very easily, mainly the long houndy types(Anvik, Ozzy, Mac..). There is lots of evidence that slightly skinny dogs live longer, healthier lives than their overweight counterparts(just like humans!). As long as you aren't see any other concerning symptoms, like lack of energy, poor coat, ect, I wouldn't worry too much about a couple pounds.

[wolfsoul]

I use Nutri-Cal or Nutri-Stat. You can buy tubes at some pet supply stores, but I buy mine at dog shows.

[Catlady711]

Has the vet checked the thyroid?

[Glacier]

Has the vet checked the thyroid?

Hyperthyroidism, which would cause weight loss, is very rare in dogs. Hypothyroidism would have the opposite problem--fat dog. I have several hypothryoid dogs and getting weight on them is not a problem! I have a hyperthyroid cat who is extremely skinny. Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats. Cats are rarely hypothyroid and dogs are rarely hyperthyroid, unless they have thyroid cancer, which would have other symptoms.
http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/hyperthyroidism.html

[borzoimom]

I was wondering about the thyroid function as well.
As far as the vertibrae- of course- you can feel most of them on my breed, but that is the breed as well.
Nutrical works very well- without adding too much food into the stomach which can cause- gas, bloating, loose stools from too much etc. When we got femka, she was easily 10 pounds underweight- and that was a low estimate. It was her thyroid and with that a slight increase in food, nutracal, and medication- she gained 15 pounds and looks great. Now you can only feel the ribs, verses before you could see the ribs through her coat. Other than weight loss- signs for thyroid problems are- cold behavior ( looking for warmth, dry coat or a dusty look to the coat, and dry skin. Previously, if you put a towel or blanket on Femka she would sleep under it for hours- now if you do the same- she moves within 10 minutes..
If you get the thyroid tested, have them send it to a full lab like Michigan State. They can also be " symtomatic " meaning they are showing the signs of this disorder, but the tests come back borderline or low ranges of normal..