We’ve all seen our dogs take off without warning in crazy bursts of energy. These short-lived outbursts make us laugh and are known as dog zoomies.
Examples of the zoomies are when your dog goes from zero to hundred, tearing through the house, in the yard, jumping on and off furniture, running in circles, stopping suddenly, and spinning around only to hit the gas again at full speed.
Dog zoomies are called frenetic random activity periods or FRAPs.
They can occur in all breeds and at any age but are most commonly associated with younger dogs.
Dog zoomies are pent up energy that needs to be released, and zoomies are completely normal and safe.
Let’s Look at 4 Things That Cause Dog Zoomies
1. Stress
Events that are stressful for your dog will cause energy to build. Zoomies physically relieve the stress.
Common examples of stress-related zoomies are: immediately after a bath, after nail trims, after administering medications, after a trip to the vet, behavior or training issues.
2. Excitement
Things that cause excitement can build-up anticipation, which traps energy.
Examples are your dog seeing and waiting for a playmate or a family member arriving home.
Another example is when your dog is in the car and sees the dog park. They become more excited, the closer you get to the park. When released from the car, they take off running.
3. Understimulated
Dogs can be understimulated, both mentally and physically. Dogs restricted or confined to small areas will display zoomies when released.
Some dogs will have bursts of energy after naps.
Dogs who are not getting enough physical exercise will burn off their excess energy with zoomies, and maybe a lot of them.
Has your dog’s exercise routine changed due to weather or your schedule? A lot of dog zoomies in a short period of time is your dog telling you that they need more exercise.
Smarter dogs who need mental challenges may become bored and kick into zoomies to stir things up a bit.
4. Peer Pressure
An energetic person or another dog can trigger dog zoomies. The excitement and fun surrounding someone else can make your dog want to join in on the fun.
If another dog is in zoomie mode, your dog will react by chasing after that dog and wanting to play.
This is doggy peer pressure in the sense of copying the actions of others around them, wanting to be included, and not miss out.
Dog zoomies are no cause for concern or discipline.
Stay clear of your dog’s zoomie path to avoid a collision and if you’re worried about objects in your house becoming damaged or causing injury, get your dog to a secure location outdoors.
Dog zoomies don’t typically last long. Once your dog has depleted their pent up energy they will be grateful for a cool drink of water and will soon be headed to their favorite spot for a nap.
