Dog started becoming more vocal

[Hoolajerry]

My elderly spinone (9) has recently started to be quite vocal. Not in a barking way but more a contented grumbling sort of sound. It's usually in the evening and intermittent. He doesn't appear to be in any distress and so I'm not concerned just interested in why he's started to do this. Anyone else have any experience of this?

[Girlintheframe]

Our dog is more vocal depending what other dogs he has been with. If he has been with Malamutes at daycare he comes home and 'chats'. He also becomes more vocal if very excited.

[Giggorata]

My older lab got more vocal as she got older, too.
She's not a barker, except for guarding but she whinges when she thinks it's dinner time.
She yowls with delight anticipating something she loves, like walks or shooting, yips happily as she scoffs dinner, huffs when she wants something and moans or creaks when her ears or belly are rubbed.
I find it very endearing.

[pigsDOfly]

She's obviously going to be one of those old people (dogs) that walk down the street mumbling to themselves.

My dog, now nine, is allowed a certain amount of barking in the garden but will stop when I tell her it's enough. However, I've noticed she now tend to mumble a bit after she's stopped as if she's having a bit of a moan at me and wants to have the last word.

[Wolfiefan]

When you can I would get a vet check as it’s new behaviour. Just to rule out pain or deafness.

[Giggorata]

Lab1 has been checked for these recently, at her regular MOT.
Her vocalisations have developed gradually over years, rather than coming on suddenly.
But I take your point, Wolfiefan.

[Dreamersandwishers]

My 9 year old lab is another one who makes more little noises; smacks his lips; little sighs, grumbles etc but the all seem good natured; he’s generally been a dog that makes little noises to get my attention.
He does bark more now than he used to, which I initially blamed on ddog2 who is a noisy madam, however, I am thinking he is getting a bit deaf, as his barking tends to go on after the ‘threat’ has gone.