Dog Zoomies: What They Are and Why Dogs Get Them

Photo by Ron Fung on Unsplash

Has your dog ever just gone crazy out of nowhere? Bottom tucked, tongue wagging, running circles around your house or yard as fast as they can? That’s the zoomies!

The first time you see your dog get the zoomies, it can be a bit concerning but, usually, it’s nothing to worry about. In fact, most of the time, the zoomies are a sign that your dog is happy!

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what dog zoomies are, what causes them, and how you can maintain your calm in the midst of your pup’s crazy.

The Takeaways

1. The zoomies, technically known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), are defined as periods when dogs “zoom” back and forth, seemingly for no reason.

2. When they get the zoomies, dogs tuck their backside under and take off running around the house or yard.

3. Dogs tend to get the zoomies when their owner comes home from work, while they’re playing, during training if they get overstimulated, after pooping, or when something exciting happens.

4. The zoomies are usually a sign that your dog is happy or excited, but they can also indicate that your dog needs more mental or physical stimulation.

5. Keep your dog (and your home!) safe during the zoomies by providing a secure area, making sure your dog has identification on, moving breakables and important items out of the way, and watching out for vulnerable people.

Table of Contents

• What Are Dog Zoomies?

• Signs of the Zoomies in Dogs

• Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?

• Managing Your Dog’s Zoomies

What Are Dog Zoomies?

Photo by Rafaëlla Waasdorp on Unsplash

The zoomies, technically known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), are exactly what you might think by the name: periods of time when your dog zooms back and forth, seemingly for no reason.

This looks like your dog tucking their backside under (for maximum zooming power!) and taking off running around the house or yard.

Although there’s no known cause of FRAPs, most experts believe it’s a way for dogs (or cats!) to release pent-up energy or possibly even relieve their stress. This is especially true for dogs who stay home alone all day with little to no physical activity.

(Helpful hint: Doggy daycare is a great option if you need someplace to let your dog burn off excess energy while you work or run errands!)

Signs of the Zoomies in Dogs

As we mentioned above, the first indicator of the zoomies is your dog assuming the posture and then running around and around.

Typically, dogs with the zoomies are wiggly and bouncy, and their tongue may flap around. They might also “bow” to you (front end down, back end up), signaling they want to play.

However, it’s important to note that if your dog is frantically running around and seems anxious, it’s likely not the zoomies. If their eyes are wide, their tail stays tucked after they’ve stopped running, and their head is low with their ears folded back, your dog might be scared or upset.

It’s important to try your best to calm your dog down in that situation, rather than get them more anxious by trying to be playful with them.

Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?

Photo by C Perret on Unsplash

Dogs tend to zoom around when they’re happy or excited, or when they simply need to get rid of some of their bouncy energy! Puppies and young dogs experience the zoomies the most, but it’s not unusual for older dogs to get them every once in a while, too.

Here are some times you might expect your pup to start zooming:

• When you (or someone else they love) come home from work after being gone all day

• While they’re playing, either with you, another dog, or alone

• During training if they get overstimulated

• After pooping (they just love that feeling of release!)

• When something exciting happens

Your dog might also experience something called the “witching hour,” which is usually between 5:00 and 8:00 in the evening. This is your pup’s effort to release their energy before winding down for the night. It’s one last burst of playfulness before bedtime!

That said, if you notice your dog having the zoomies more often than usual or their zoomies seem extra out of control, it could be a sign that they need more mental or physical stimulation during the day.

Managing Your Dog’s Zoomies

While the zoomies are perfectly normal, they can be dangerous if you don’t take certain precautions. For example, if your pup goes crazy in a space full of sharp objects that can easily get knocked over, they could get hurt.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your dog’s bursts of energy.

Provide a secure area

Wherever your dog is likely to get the zoomies should be free of any dangerous or risky objects they could knock over or bump into. This would include things like knives, sharp corners, hot liquids, and so on.

Additionally, you want to make sure your pup has a sturdy, non-slippery surface to run on. If they’re outside, grass is ideal. Gravel could cause them to lose their footing. Just be sure they’re in a fenced-in area.

For inside zoomies, carpet works great! Even hard floors are all right as long as they’re not too slick.

Make Sure Your Dog Has a Collar with Identification

If your pup happens to get the zoomies outside and manages to escape your yard, you’ll want them to have proper identification so they can be returned home if they’re found wandering around the neighborhood.

Make sure your dog wears a collar and tag with their name and your phone number, at the minimum.

Move Breakables and Important Items Out of the Danger Zone

That antique vase your great-grandmother passed down to you? Probably not the best thing to have lying around when your dog decides they suddenly need to zoom. Neither is your tax paperwork.

Because the zoomies (or at least their effects) are largely unpredictable, you might want to consider moving any important or breakable items up high, out of your pup’s zooming path.

Watch Out for Vulnerable People

The same goes for people. The last thing you want is for your dog to knock over your granny or your baby niece when family’s visiting. Be sure everybody’s sitting down when your dog gets that look in his eye!

Zoom Away!

The dog zoomies are perfectly normal and nothing to worry about most of the time. Follow the tips above, and then sit back and enjoy the show!

If you’re looking for a way to give your dog more playtime while you’re away from home, consider doggy daycare. At Around the World Pet Resort, lots of new friends and fun, supervised play are what your canine pal will experience when they spend a day with us.

Reach out now to book your dog’s staycation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does My Dog Get the Zoomies After Pooping?

Although no one really knows why dogs experience the zoomies after relieving themselves, some experts believe that it’s due to the physical feeling of release that comes with defecating.

As funny as that sounds, it makes sense. After all, nobody likes to feel all clogged up!

Do the Zoomies Mean My Dog Is Happy?

Yes, the zoomies generally mean your dog is happy or excited. If you’ve just come home from work, for instance, and your dog starts running circles around your house, they’re probably happy to see you!

On the other hand, dogs can sometimes exhibit zoomie-like behavior when they’re scared or stressed. If they duck their head, their eyes are wide, and their tail is tucked even after they stop running around, they might be feeling anxious.

Which Breeds Are the Most Prone to the Zoomies?

Although all dog breeds experience the zoomies, the ones that might get them the most include Border Collies, Jack Russell Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, and Australian Shepherds. This is because of their naturally energetic dispositions and their need for lots of mental and physical stimulation.