IN-DEPTH (5 MIN.) Zoomies, or Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), refer to those unmistakable explosions of energy that dogs have on occasion. Zoomies often feature frantic, repetitive behavior such as running in circles or spinning around.
Yes, the zoomies are a sign of being happy. It's not a bad thing, and it's a sign that your dog is enjoying life. You want them to be able to express their happiness. What are some ways pet owners can make the zoomies easier on their dogs?
"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).
Zoomies themselves won't hurt your dog, but a dog running around at full speed without a plan sometimes has unfortunate consequences. “Although FRAPs are normal, a dog zooming around the house or yard may be in danger of injuring themselves (or breaking something).
“It's such a high-intensity expulsion of energy and cats are nappers, not sprinters,” Dr. Barrett says. “It most commonly (and annoyingly) happens at night. They usually don't last longer than 1-2 minutes, but they leave a lasting impression.”
Gets The Zoomies
Dogs that are zooming around are typically either bored and trying to burn off some steam, or they are hyperactive due to overtiredness. If your dog gets the zoomies, think back to what was going on beforehand.
Dog zoomies are normal.
There is nothing wrong with this normal dog behavior — as long as your dog doesn't run around in a place that is unsafe, such as near a road or through a part of the yard with dangerous objects.
In much the same way you may find you're able to lessen the degree or frequency of zoomies by increasing physical exercise or challenging your dog mentally. This is a great way of releasing some of that pent up energy before it's channelled into one of these random bursts of energy.
Yes, your dog knows how much you love him! Dogs and humans have a very special relationship, where dogs have hijacked the human oxytocin bonding pathway normally reserved for our babies. When you stare at your dog, both your oxytocin levels go up, the same as when you pet them and play with them.
Your dog is tamping down the grass and chasing away any bugs or other creatures to give it a nice clean place to do its business. The circles allow your dog to get a good, clear view of the surrounding area to make sure there are no threats or predators near by when they are in such a vulnerable position.
Zoomies is generally caused by a build-up of excess energy which is then released in one short burst. Don't worry though, it's a completely natural behaviour. It's most common in and generally occurs less and less as they get older. But that's not to say it'll stop entirely – many older dogs will still have FRAPs!
Dogs often show affection by licking. It's an instinctive behaviour that's linked to the comfort they felt when their mother licked them as a puppy. Licking plays an important part of how they bond with others, causing them to release dopamine and endorphins that help make them feel relaxed, calm and happy.
Zoomies also happen quite often at night. Especially with puppies who have been crated all day or have not been given enough opportunities to exercise. As soon as they get the chance to run around, they take it. Even adult dogs get the zoomies, although the younger the dog the more frequently it seems to occur.
So what exactly are the zoomies? Zoomies are a sudden release of energy in dogs. You've probably seen it after your dog gets out the bath — that frantic yet euphoric looking dash they make around the house. It's a common behavior (especially in young dogs), and it's simply a way for dogs to release pent up energy.
From Birth to 10 Weeks
They have boundless energy and curiosity. They spend most of their day playing and learning the foundations of being a dog: chasing, running, pawing, biting and fighting.
Baths aren't the only thing that can trigger dog zoomies. Some dogs also do this after grooming or swimming, and they sometimes get triggered during play. But giving dogs a bath seems to be a frequent trigger for dogs who are prone to zoomies.
“Age is definitely a factor, but so are breed/breed-mix,individual temperament and amount of daily enrichment,”Dr. Coppola told The Dodo. But, typically, you can expect your puppy to start to calm down once he's around 6 months old.
They love to eat, sleep and run around outside. Interestingly, dogs have preferences unique to canines. Most people are not aware of these particular tastes. Dogs, like humans, enjoy certain activities, mostly related to their breed, instinct, temperament and personality.
They enjoy sleeping with you because it makes them feel safe and comfortable. Sleeping together gives dogs an emotional connection to their owners. Dogs feel love and gratitude towards you, just like you feel towards them.
Why do dogs get the zoomies? Lack of exercise and stimulation aren't the only reasons dogs can get the zoomies — some medical conditions can trigger them, too.
He may spin in circles, race around and on furniture, make sharp quick turns, and may bark as he races about. Often the zoomies start with no warning, or they may start with a 'play stance bow' – front legs outstretched with his bottom up in the air, and his tail wagging.
Indoor zoomies usually don't occur more than once per day, and often it's at the same time of day. We know our dogs are Zen masters of routine, and sometimes an evening routine (like settling in for a TV program) or bedtime ritual will trigger the need for a quick trip (or six) around the sofa.
It is an activity motivated by joy and a sense of satisfaction at being released from something of pressing urgency for our dogs. Some experts believe that running after a poop may be indicative of some sort of infection, itch, or even an injury to the dog's anus. Running is a common reaction to anxiety or even pain.