August 5, 2023

Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies? 6 Reasons for This Behavior

bernese mountain dog running and playing outdoors

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

The “zoomies” are those erratic spurts of energy that send your dog spinning in circles, leaping over the sofa, or taking off as soon as their leash is released at the park. Almost every dog owner has experienced them. Frenetic random activity periods, also known as FRAPs, are the official term for this behavior.

But why do dogs get the zoomies? Below are some common explanations.

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The 6 Reasons Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies

1. Letting Go of Tension

Zoomies can help your dog let off steam when they’re bored or anxious. At times, our canines may need to be immobile or subject to strict restraint for an extended period, such as during bathing, while lying in a kennel, or when visiting a veterinarian or groomer. However, when they’re free, they may take off like a rocket to burn off their energy.

Brown dog running from woman and two dogs — Image Credit: JanDix, Pixabay

2. Instincts

Zoomies may often happen at particular times of the day. Due to their natural hunting cycles, morning and evening are the times when dogs often experience bursts of energy. Coyotes, for instance, hunt at dawn and night, when their prey is more vulnerable.

3. Excitement

You can have fun with dog zoomies because they can occasionally be funny and entertaining. Our furry friends can also experience the zoomies because they are overly enthusiastic, and they can’t help but physically express their feelings.

They might perform zoomies when:

Greeting you when you return from work
Playing
Learning a new trick
They’re out for their daily walk
Before mealtimes

White toy poodle dog running in grass — Image Credit: Jagodka, Shutterstock

4. Warming Up

After a stroll or after coming inside from the outside, dogs who run around the house with zoomies may simply be trying to warm up. Dogs that make a hasty exit from a lake, pool, or bathtub may also exhibit this behavior to get their blood flow going.

5. Getting Your Attention

While zoomies may indicate that your dog is content, they can also be a trick they have developed to have fun with you, particularly if you tend to exaggerate their excitement as they fly around. The dog may have discovered that doing this can draw attention or start a game.

Blue brindle pitbull on the grass — Image Credit: Zanna Pesnina, Shutterstock

6. Relieve Pain

Dog zoomies are almost always good things. But on occasion, it could be brought on by a sudden, acute pain. For instance, your dog can become frightened and run if they are bothered by the discomfort of an insect bite or sting, or problematic anal glands. divider-paw

How to Keep a Zooming Dog Safe

Your dog might not be paying attention in the heat of the moment, but you can prevent injuries by:

Keep them in a secure environment. If they start knocking furniture over or getting that wild look in their eyes, put your dog out into a fully enclosed yard or confine them to a space where nothing will trip them up and injure them.
Never allow your dog to get the zoomies in the street. You never know when a car may come around the corner, even in a quiet suburban area. Keep them on a leash at all times when out for a walk.
Ensure they have safe running surfaces. Your dog may lose control on slick, unstable surfaces like ice, sand, or hardwood floors. So, it is recommended to keep them on carpeted or grassy surfaces until they calm down.

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Conclusion

Dogs naturally engage in zoomies to express their happiness and release pent-up energy. The frequency of zoomies in dogs often depends on their age, breed, and temperament.

Even though zoomies are typically nothing to worry about, when it happens often it may indicate that your four-legged animal needs more excitement in their life. The most content pups are those who receive consistent physical and mental stimulation.

Featured Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock

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