Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies? A Guide to Zoomies in Dogs

If you’ve ever seen a dog running around in circles frantically and generally appearing a little bonkers, you’ve probably witnessed a “zoomie”. But what are zoomies exactly? How do you identify them? And why do dogs get the zoomies anyway?

In this post I’m going to discuss the phenomenon of zoomies in dogs by looking at the following:

What Are Zoomies in Dogs?

The main indication that your dog is having a zoomie is that it runs around like a mad thing, often whirling or turning sharply, for seemingly no reason.

Zoomies are actually a really common behavioural phenomenon, so much so in fact that there’s actually a more formal, medical sounding name for them: frenetic random activity periods… or more easy to remember, FRAPs.

FRAPs or zoomies can occur at almost any time, though usually when your dog is off the lead of course… zoomies are not easy to undertake if you’re shackled by a harness or collar for example!

Many dog owners find that the zoomies are amusing and indicate that their dog is having fun. But the reality is that dogs get the zoomies for a variety of potential reasons.

Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies & What Are FRAPs?

The reason why dogs get the zoomies is not 100% clear… or rather, there are probably a number of triggers that cause FRAPs.

Let’s take a look at some of the possible reasons why dogs get the zoomies…

1. Excitement

Most dog owners have likely experienced a sudden explosion of all-in-one activity when their dog gets excited for some reason.

It may be that a loved one has returned home after a period of absence… sometimes even after only a very short time away! 

We know that many dogs enjoy nothing more than spending time with their family members. After all, many dogs suffer separation anxiety when those they love leave them alone at home. It stands to reason that dogs will get very excited to see their loved ones if they’ve missed them for any length of time.

2. Dog Play Zoomies

My Whippet tends to get the zoomies when we’re out walking somewhere… especially when she’s first let off the lead.

It may be that when dogs get very excited, like when they’re out on a walk or when they encounter another dog friend, like us humans they may find that excitement difficult to contain.

Just as sports people celebrate when they achieve success, perhaps zoomies are just a way for dogs to express how happy they are.

3. Overstimulation

Sometimes dogs start zooming if they get overstimulated, especially during play. If your play becomes too intense or too aggressive your dog can get the zoomies.

Overstimulation can lead to your dog becoming too hyped up, which can result in frenetic random activity.

In most circumstances this won’t be a problem, but you should be careful not to overstimulate any dog.

4. Understimulation

If overstimulation gives your dog the zoomies, under-stimulation too can have the same effect.

If your dog hasn’t had enough exercise or play throughout the day it may have excess energy that just had to come out in some way.

For some dogs this can mean that they exhibit destructive behaviours, such as chewing furniture or barking excessively. Other dogs may get zoomies.

5. Zoomies After Bathing 

I’ve noticed that my Whippet gets zoomies almost every time she has a bath!

I don’t know if this is related to overstimulation, since it could be a response to the sensorial overload she experiences while being washed. It could be simply that she’s trying to escape from the water she’s been exposed to!

After bathing and drying her, my dog bolts out of the shower room and unleashes zoomies throughout the house!

Although Whippets can swim, some don’t really like water THAT much! Perhaps zoomies are a coping mechanism?

6. After Pooping

I’ve heard that some dogs get the zoomies after having a poop. I’ve seen my Whippet do this on one or two occasions but I have absolutely no idea why.

Perhaps it’s caused by excitement!

7. Night Time Dog Zoomies

Some dogs get the zoomies late at night… during the witching hours! This may of course happen because a dog hasn’t been exercised properly and has energy it needs to use.

However, it’s also perhaps caused by something primal. Domesticated dogs are descended from wolves, which are largely nocturnal creatures that start hunting when it gets dark.

Maybe our dogs get the zoomies at night as a kind of “call of the wild”.

8. Stress

Similar to overstimulation, canine stress could likely be another trigger for zoomies. It’s possible that dogs find anxiety and stress very hard to process and perhaps the only way they can cope with these feelings is through frenetic random activity.

Stress frapping!

9. Energy Release

I’ve touched on this already, but one of the most likely reasons for FRAPs is a lack of sufficient exercise.

A dog that’s not enjoyed the exercise it needs will have a surfeit of energy it has to get rid of. Having seen zoomies firsthand it’s easy to see why they burn off excess energy quickly.

Zoomies must be fed by a huge amount of energy, so if your dog is going hyper or being destructive, especially later in the day, it may mean it needs exercise. 

Are Zoomies Bad for Dogs?

The frenetic activity characterising zoomies is not harmful in itself. For the most part it’s likely beneficial, in particular if a dog has lots of energy to burn up.

However, running around frenetically, especially in small spaces or indoors can result in a dog bumping into something and hurting itself, especially on slippery floors.

I speak from experience here since although not caused by zoomies, my Whippet ran into a tree and cut herself very badly once. It’s easy to imagine a dog in zoomie mode injuring itself badly.

Additionally, the cause of the zoomie might alert you to something that’s not good. For example, if your dog gets the zoomies and displays negative body language or aggression, there may be a negative reason why they’re zooming: fear, stress or pain. In this instance it would be prudent to try to calm your dog down.

If it appears your dog is distressed or in pain it would be best to take it to a veterinary professional for an expert’s opinion.

Summary: Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies

Dogs get the zoomies for a variety of reasons. In most cases, zoomies don’t indicate a problem, they’re merely a way for your dog to let off some steam.

Assuming a dog is happy, watching it get the zoomies can be a truly amusing thing to watch!

As long as your dog has plenty of space, zoomies are for the most part just a way to burn off some energy.

Of course, there are some scenarios where zoomies might indicate that your dog is stressed or in discomfort. As with most things in dog life, if you’re at all worried about your dog’s behaviour or its zoomies, consult a veterinarian at the earliest convenience.

Does your dog enjoy FRAPs? Have you identified when or why your dog gets the zoomies? Please tell us about it or drop us a question in the comment section at the bottom of this page.

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