Have you ever settled down for a quiet night, and your dog barrels through the room with a sudden burst of energy? How about their sudden need to run in circles after a bath? This strange behavior is known as dog zoomies and seems to affect most of our canine friends. This behavior is actually quite common, and usually, all dogs get the zoomies from time to time. So what are dog zoomies, and why do they happen?
You might be surprised to learn that several reasons may cause your pup to get a sudden burst of energy. While most dog owners find the zoomies adorable, others would rather have a calmer pup. Let’s dive into the details of this peculiar behavior and how to try to decrease the zoomies if it’s causing you to get frustrated with your dog.
What Are Dog Zoomies?
The term “zoomies” refers to when our pups run around like crazy, but what does it mean? Zoomies, or frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs), are simply a dog’s way of releasing built-up energy in one frantic effort. With their tail slightly tucked and a rambunctious look in their eye, a dog often runs in circles until their heart’s content.
Science Behind The Zoomies
So, is there any science behind the zoomies? Although it’s unknown what specifically causes dog zoomies, experts believe it’s usually just a way to help them release any pent-up energy they harbor. FRAPs can also be caused by a transition in activities, such as after dinner, after walks (which is the main reason for my senior dog’s zoomies,) or when a guest visits. Watch this short video about the science behind dog zoomies, complete with a few cute videos of canines going wild.
Dogs have different zoomie triggers, but it can occur in pups of all kinds. There is not always a rhyme or reason behind them. Zoomies are normal canine behavior and typically last anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute. It’s not something you need to be worried about, other than if you have a large dog and are worried they may knock someone over.
Are Zoomies Common In Young Dogs?
Young dogs often have more energy than seniors, causing them to experience zoomies if their exercise needs are unmet daily. Even if a dog receives adequate exercise, a young dog is more likely to have a sudden need for speed! Just as you would expect your senior dog’s energy levels to decrease, you can also expect the behavior to subside. Zoomies take energy, and dogs can lose interest as they age. Because of this, you will see zoomies occur more frequently in puppies than in older dogs.
When Do Dogs Get The Zoomies? 5 Common Reasons
Dogs can get the zoomies for multiple reasons. From normal excitement to lack of proper exercise, many things can cause our pups to zoom. To help you better understand the behavior, let’s explore the causes below.
1. Getting The Zoomies Outside
Some dogs get the zoomies each time they step foot outside. A wide-open space is perfect for letting loose, especially if a dog is off-leash. Most dogs enjoy being outdoors, which can cause them to run around erratically with excitement. A dog’s time outdoors may be their only chance to run around without limits. Your dog may know that your living room does not offer a wide-open range, meaning this is their chance to blow off steam. If your dog gets the zoomies each time they are outdoors, this is just their way of telling you they are happy. The more they exhibit the behavior while playing outside, the easier it is for them to wind down later.
2. Zoomies While Playing
Does your dog get the zoomies each time you engage in a game of fetch? How about when they are playing with their best canine friends? Zoomies can be a way to amp up their playtime, especially if another dog is involved. If so, this is just your dog’s way of saying they are having a good time. It is extremely common to see multiple dogs running around with the zoomies at dog parks. This is because it is just plain fun, and everyone wants to get in on the action! If your pup always gets them each time they are having fun, this is often just their excitement boiling over.
3. Zoomies After Bathing
The most common time for a dog to get the zoomies is after bath time. Most dogs go wild after getting bathed, ranging from multiple zoomies to jumping on every piece of furniture. While there is no way to know for sure, many experts believe this is a dog’s way of draining their nervous energy from their time in the bath. Most dogs don’t enjoy bath time, causing them to be a bit anxious about the process. Running around can help them release any pent-up anxiety and even dry off throughout the process. Zoomies may be a dog saying, “Thank goodness bath time is over.”
My Personal Experience With Bath Time Zoomies
I have two dogs, my Bull Terrier mix, Bonkers, is a senior, and my Doxie, Chips, is an adolesent. Bonkers absolutely hates bath time, and my Doxie doesn’t mind it. However, they both get the zoomies after bath time. As soon as I lift them out of the tub and their paws hit the floor, they turn into possessed demons whizzing around the home. Their favorite thing to do while zooming is digging into the couch and my bed, (never theirs,) drying themselves off wherever I don’t want them too. I have an extra absorbent microfiber towel ready in the bathroom, and only open the door when they’re mostly dry.
The dog zoomies is so funny, and my toddler loves watching them go crazy. Despite being a senior, Bonkers gets the zoomies regularly. Increasing his activity made no difference, and he still gets them several times a day. He even jumps up the walls, making me believe he was a parkour champion in a previous life.
– Emma Braby, Rescue Dog Mom & Writer For Canine Journal
4. Zoomies After Bathroom Breaks
Zoomies after bathroom breaks have been a mystery in the dog and cat community for years. While staring is common due to vulnerability, many canines run around frantically in the moments after they poop. This leads to many questions about the details of this post-bathroom behavior. It’s also quite common to find your pup kicking their feet and running frantically around your yard after they’ve gone to the bathroom. Experts believe there are a couple of potential causes of bathroom zoomies in dogs.
The first possibility states that some dogs are relieved once they do business. It may feel good to finally go potty after holding it, leading to a quick victory lap. The next possibility involves a dog’s need to mark their territory. Dogs have scent glands on the pads of their feet, leading them to kick up the area in which they go potty. This may also lead them to run around the yard, marking every inch of grass in their path. Bathroom zoomies may always be a mystery, but they are fun to watch.
5. Zoomies Due To Lack Of Exercise
Dogs can also have zoomies if they are not receiving enough daily exercise. Most dogs require a minimum of 15 minutes of exercise daily, with some high-energy breeds requiring an hour, if not more. This is especially important for young dogs, as they will have much more energy to burn. It’s essential that dogs get enough exercise each day, or zoomies may be the least of your worries. Unstimulated dogs often resort to other behaviors, including digging, mouthing, or even aggressive behaviors.
If your dog has zoomies multiple times a day, especially while indoors, this may be a sign they require a bit more exercise or stimulation each day. You can do this by increasing their time spent outdoors, playing with more interactive toys, investing in mentally stimulating games, or participating in other activities your dog enjoys.
Can You Prevent Dog Zoomies?
Some dogs experience zoomies no matter what, but there are a few ways to reduce their frequency in active pups. This active behavior can result from pent-up energy, meaning the best way to prevent it is by ensuring your pup stays active. There are many ways to exercise your pup based on the type of activities they enjoy, such as:
- Taking your dog on daily walks
- Playing games of fetch until your dog is tired
- Offering mentally stimulating games such as sniffing games
- Going on basic hikes with your dog
- Playing tug of war
- Playing with other dogs that they get along with
- Taking your dog to a dog-friendly pool or swimming area
Should I Try To Stop The Zoomies?
Dog zoomies are completely normal. There is nothing wrong with this behavior, and it can be a fantastic way for your pup to drain their energy. Many dogs truly enjoy zoomies, making them a staple in their daily routine. When they don’t cause any disturbances in your home, this curious canine behavior can also be an adorable activity to witness.
If your dog’s zoomies become a burden, you can always attempt to limit this behavior by increasing their daily exercise and mental stimulation. But this isn’t always possible, as some dogs naturally do it more than others, and sometimes, it has nothing to do with a lack of exercise. As long as your pup is not stirring up trouble, the behavior is nothing to worry about. If you’re worried about them injuring themselves or others and increasing their exercise hasn’t helped, you can do a handful of things such as:
- Limit them to one room
- Introduce dog gates so they only have access to one floor
- Remove or secure breakable items
- Tell others in the home when zoomie time is about to commence
Other Dog Activities To Enjoy
If you can’t beat them, join them! But if crashing around your home isn’t your thing, there are many other high-energy activities you can partake in to help them release their energy. Purchasing a flirt pole to use in the yard is a great activity for dogs who love to chase things, and you don’t have to exert too much energy. Alternatively, you can try barn hunting, which is a great activity for dogs who love to sniff things out. We also have a guide on how to get started in dog sports, such as agility or flyball.
Does your dog get the zoomies regularly? Have you found a way to calm them down? Or even rile them up? We love to hear our reader’s stories about their cute pups, so tell us in our comments section below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Dr. Amber LaRock is a licensed veterinary technician with an A.A.S in veterinary technology. She has taken her career online to spread knowledge on animal welfare. Amber grew up with a deep passion for helping animals and knew that it was her life’s purpose. After gaining her degree in veterinary technology along with her license, she began work in an emergency animal hospital. Amber assists Canine Journal, using her professional knowledge to help their reader’s better understand their pups.
