If a dog that is 13 and 1/2 years old stops eating for 5 days, then regains eating, was he in pain during the time he didn't eat? If he were ready to die, would he lose his personality first and become lethargic? Background: dog is a mixed breed of a sheltie, beagle and border collie. Weight about 15 lbs. no history of health issues

I've had dogs all my life and have lost a few to old age it's hard and very sad. They're members of my family and missed dearly. Because your dog is older I'm sure it's on your mind but it could have been something as simple as a viral infection of some sort or maybe because your dog is getting older it may have oral issues. Do you feed the dog kibble or soft food? Just curious to know a bit more about the background of what you've noticed lately besides the eating if anything.

Thanks for your response azdesertchick. We have always fed Oreo Nature's Recipe which is a hard small pellet sized food. He has never had table scraps or any other brand of food. His teeth were professionally cleaned at the vet in the summer of '07, so I don't suspect any oral issues. He has not lost any teeth and his gums do not appear inflamed. We have noticed many other behavioral differences in Oreo in recent months. His balance seems to be off a little, as he will sort of fall off the curb if he is trying to walk down it. He tends to try to rear back and get a running start to get up our 5 outside brick steps, and sometimes stumbles up or down them. He is moving much slower than he used to, and sometimes doesn't appear to hear us telling him to "come" etc. Most of these behavioral issues I chalked up to getting older. One other symptom he had, was extremely loose stool, and multiple "accidents" all over the house for about a week. I, too, am starting to think that he had a bad virus. Yesterday when we got home at the end of the day, he had plenty of energy, jumped all over us, and wanted to play tug with one of his toys. We've been instructed to try to add some water to his food, making it kind of soupy, and see if that helps him eat. He didn't seem to want it tonight, but we'll try again tomorrow. I hope that gives you a little more background.

Debbie, you haven't mentioned if you have brought him to the vet for a check up. If not, it is time to get your dog in for a full health evaluation. It doesn't sound like he is having a dental issue. I have seen older dogs stop eating simply due to the pain arthritis causes, and simply placing them on the right medication gives them a new lease on life. Rimadyl is a medication that works well, among others. Your vet should do a full blood panel screening, along with testing his stool (and his urine if he is peeing a lot). He might simply be suffering intestinal tract issues/paratsites, such as whipworm or giardia. Whatever may be causing the diarrhea might also easily be corrected with the proper medication. The only way to know for certain what is going on with him is to get him into the vet's office for an assessment. Your dog could very well have a few more very good years left in him if he gets the proper medical treatment.

Thanks for your response Ruby. Yes, I have had him to the vet twice, as well as speaking to the vet on the phone once every two weeks. I'll continue keeping a log on his eating, mood, etc. and will probably take him in again. As of right now, he is doing much better.

Debbie, I am glad to hear that he is doing better and your vet is working with you on this. Did he mention anything about the possibility of a minor stroke? Strokes that occur in animals aren't as devastating as they are in humans. Many times after a stroke, depending on the severity, within a few weeks to a few months, they can regain whatever loss of motor control has occurred. Keeping a log is a very good idea in addition to working closely with your vet.