Behavior changes and other symptoms.

He is a 10 lb. toy poodle and 7 years old. I know that he has an allergy to beef and beef byproducts, so we have him on purina chicken and rice canned and dry food mix.  We added the canned food a month ago. He is normally a upbeat playful dog. He has always been around children and never ever even came close to snapping at one of them no matter what they did. Last week things started changing. He began to act skittish, confused, and just wanted to lay around all day. He began to gnaw at his paws and side to the point where his coat is matted and skin is raw. His stools have been loose. He has been staring into space. His eyes look different and I just can't explain why. When he does get up he just wanders around the house aimlessly. I have seen him eating rocks. He also tried to snap at my 9 month old. I don't know what this could be, but please, please help! He does not stay outside. I let him do his business then he comes right back in. And his food has not been on the recall list. Also I did transition his food slowly so that his body could adjust to the new food.  

[Misfits4Me]

Sounds like a number of things are going on.....He needs to see his Vet for a Senior Blood panel. The loose stools can be a number of things, but maybe something as simple as his diet. The onset of snapping usually indicates Pain. (Possibly Arthritis). The confusion really needs to be evaluated as it can be a number of things, also. He clearly is ill and needs to be seen my his Vet.....I think the eyes looking different is a good sign of illness, too.  Please, let me know what you find out. I wouldn't let it go any longer.........Karla