Dog growling for no reason?

[Notreallyawaitress]

Had my springer/collie cross from a puppy and he’s now three years old. For the last twelve months he has growled at me on and off but it is getting much more frequent (daily almost). I don’t know what is setting him off, it’s almost like he goes into a trance. He snaps out of it just as quickly and is all over me then. Today for instance he rolled over for a belly rub but within twenty seconds his mood changed completely. It’s getting to the point where I’m feeling a bit scared of what he might do
He occasionally does this to my DP but not nearly as often. Is this just a behavioural thing or is it possible there is neurological reason?

Have you taken him to the vets to check there is nothing physical causing him pain?

Behavioural or neurological?

It could easily be either, or something else. There are a number of medical reasons a dog might behave like this - pain, tumour, thyroid and so on.

A vet check is the best first option as if it is medical in cause then you'll want to know/act asap. Once that is ruled out, you're left with behavioural or environmental reasons (i.e. something the dog has 'learned' or something triggered by the people or place his lives - which is not to say you are doing something wrong, just that dogs can react funny to different things).

I’m taking him next week for his booster check next week so I’ll get them to look him over. He doesn’t look like he’s in pain, very healthy generally.

The trances and 'off' behaviour make me wonder about epilepsy, which doesn't always present with the stereotypical shaking fits.

I'd get him checked out at the vets

I know from experience that dogs are very good at hiding pain so often they don't 'seem' in pain even if they are. You need to exclude the physical side first then look to see if it is behavioural so definitely mention all of this to the vet.

Agree with vet check but also are you sure he was rolling over for a belly rub ?? That is also an appeasement behaviour which indicates unease and an attempt to communicate a desire that you don't come closer. The fact that that was ignored ( if you did then rub his belly) could them have resulted in the dog escalating to the next level resulting in a growl. A surprising amount of bites result after what is perceived as a request for a belly rub.

I’m pretty sure he was happy for me to rub his belly initially- he spends half his day on his back hoping for a bit of attention! Lots to talk about with the vet next week though. Thank you for all your helpful replies

Dog growling for no reason?

Dogs don't growl for no reason. He is trying to tell you something, you just need to figure out what.
The most obvious reason would be pain, and certain movements/positions cause a spasm of pain.
The 'trance' could be brief seizures/epilepsy?
Definitely explain everything to the vet so they can check him out.

If its not pain, then you need to carefully note everything that is happening at the exact moment he growls - sounds, smells, position, activity etc. and see if there is a common trigger. It could be a new sound that occurs that he doesn't like, or even new fabric conditioner he hates!