No, zoomies don't mean a dog is tired. Instead, they usually indicate that your pup is excited and energetic. It's important to monitor your pup when they have the zoomies so you can ensure they don't hurt themselves! So don't worry - enjoy your pup's adorable zoomies!
Zoomies aren't actually bad
Give the dog time to run around, but make sure there's time set aside for training. Zoomies mean your dog is happy and wants to be interactive, and there's nothing wrong with that.
Need more exercise
The level of exercise required by a dog varies depending on age and breed. If your dog doesn't get enough exercise, zoomies are a quick and easy way for them to expel pent-up energy.
"Generally speaking, dog zoomies happen when dogs are feeling happy and excited," says Amelia Wieber, dog behavior consultant, trainer, and Daily Paws Advisory Board member. It's just good fun for your pup (until a kid or a vase gets knocked over).
Signs Of Generalized Exhaustion
Exhausted dogs often seem almost as if they are different animals entirely, failing to respond to their name or commands and focused excessively on sniffing the ground. Of course, panting and refusing to get up are common indicators, but so are frequent lip licking and loss of interest.
Again, here are some common signs of an overtired puppy (or adult dog): Nipping and biting. No longer listening. Hyperactivity/inability to settle.
Common overtired puppy symptoms include: A sudden burst of energy and having a lot of energy it results in things like the “Zoomies”, crazy eyes, an increase in biting, and often an inability to listen. It could even lead to a lapse in potty training, short bursts of massive energy.
“Although FRAPs are normal, a dog zooming around the house or yard may be in danger of injuring themselves (or breaking something). Owners should keep zooming dogs away from stairs, slippery floors, obstacles and the road,” says Perry. Keep your dog in an enclosed space when off-lead.
Zoomies don't last long.
Most of the time, a case of the zoomies lasts less than a few minutes. Although they have been known to extend upwards of 10 minutes, that is not typical.
If you want your dog to calm down, you need to give them the signal that it's not play time. Don't chase your dog, run around, or react to their overly energetic behavior; that may make them think it's a game—and will make it much harder to calm them down. Give your pup a calming supplement.
However, puppies are much more likely to get a case of the zoomies than older dogs, simply because they have a lot more built up energy they need to get rid of. Puppy wiggles and puppy zoomies are part of everyday life with a dog who is under one year of age, and especially with one who is less than six months of age.
When your pup turns his butt to you, he's making himself vulnerable. “They cannot easily defend themselves from you if they are not facing you,” Moucha added. “So when they turn their butt towards you, they trust you to not hurt them.”
Zoomies are not an aggressive behavior, although puppies may sometimes nip.
This is because your puppy is burning off the last of their energy before preparing for sleep, may be anxious about being separated from you, or they may be teething. Your veterinarian can help you discover the cause of your puppy's zoomies, but it is usually completely normal.
Generally, most puppies will start to settle between 6 - 12 months, but as mentioned above there are a few other factors that can impact puppy energy levels. Some might say that female dogs are calmer dogs due to the fact they mature quicker than males, however a more impactful factor to consider would be their breed.
Badly behaved dogs are often the smartest, reported The Times. Katriina Tiira, from the University of Helsinki, has assessed about 5,000 dogs for traits such as logical reasoning and problem solving. She found a surprising pattern. “Intelligent dogs are not nicer pets,” she said.
Opt to give your pup some crate or playpen time to help them calm down, or you can choose to redirect that energy into good, by giving them something productive to do and actively working them through it, like practicing some on-leash training routines. Don't believe the myth “they will grow out of it”.
If your puppy is 5 months old for example, then they will be needing 25 minutes of puppy exercise at a time, and up to two to three times daily.
There's an adage that says that a tired dog is a happy dog. It's an adage because it's true. Dogs need to be stimulated, both mentally and physically.
Your dog may also be a little calmer in your presence, be less demanding of walks and playtime, and they may even pull less or be less excited on their walk if they know you are not feeling your best. This is because they know you are tired and your energy is much lower than it normally is.
THEY CONSIDER YOU A PACK MEMBER.
Because this is their nature, they may prefer to sleep so close to you as they seek the same warmth, security, and comfort that they would from their pack mates. In essence, they think of you as a pack member.
This calming sensation triggers a specific reaction in their brain that responds to hair follicle stimulation. Dogs, like humans, also release endorphins and oxytocin through methods of touch, so rubbing a dog's belly can help with bonding and affection. Ultimately, dogs like belly rubs because they feel good!