Zoomies; Why Your Dog Gets Them
Does your canine companion seem as though he’s had too many cups of coffee? He might just be experiencing a case of the “Zoomies.” These bouts of boundless energy can be startling and hilarious at the same time, but why do they happen? Below, we’ll dive into why zoomies occur and exactly how to handle your temporarily hyper hound.
What Are Dog Zoomies Exactly?
Dog zoomies, otherwise known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs) refer to whenever your pooch has a seemingly inexplicable burst of energy for a short period of time. Zoomies can be your dog running erratically, in circles, or bouncing from wall to wall.
Throughout zoomie periods, your pooch is likely to be somewhat unresponsive to commands and fairly unpredictable. While puppies and young dogs are more likely to experience these explosions of energy, dogs of all ages can experience them.
Why Do Dogs Get Zoomies?
Dogs get the zoomies for a variety of reasons. Essentially, zoomies are an expression of pent up energy, so you may see your pooch zooming after a nap, crate time, or waking up in the morning.
In addition, zoomies can occur after a bath, or whenever your pooch is aroused from play or general excitement. Zoomies can also help your dog get rid of nervous energy, so you might see them expressed when meeting someone new or attending a training class.
How Long Do Zoomies Last?
Luckily, zoomies only last a couple of minutes at most. Your pooch will express his pent up energy and then likely return to his normal energy level. Other animal species, including cats, may also experience zoomies!
Are Zoomies Bad?
The good news is that zoomies are incredibly natural and nothing you need to worry about with your pooch. You shouldn’t need to discourage or prevent zoomies, so long as your pooch is expressing them in a safe place.
Ideally, your pooch is experiencing an episode of the zoomies in a closed, fenced-in area without any known obstructions. If you have a larger dog, it might be best to keep children away from your pooch during zoomies to prevent any accidents. Make sure your pooch has plenty of room to run without accidentally bumping into something or someone.
Keep in mind that if you have more than one dog, one pooch could trigger another pooch into a zoomie episode. Excitement breeds more excitement, so just keep a watchful eye on your pups.
It’s entirely possible that your pooch may experience a FRAP while you’re both out and about. To stay safe, always keep your pup on a leash unless he’s in a secure, fenced area. Try to work on a command like “settle” that teaches your pooch to calm down and relax on command.
Also, be sure to have some high-value treats on your hands just in case Spot isn’t keen on listening. Don’t try to chase your dog during these episodes, he’s likely to interpret this as play and become more spastic. Redirect your pooch in a calm, assertive tone and reward as necessary.
All in all, your pooch might just need more exercise throughout the day if he’s experiencing zoomies super frequently. Prioritize giving your dog lots of walks and playtime with toys and other dogs. Also, make sure he’s mentally stimulated with puzzle toys or regular training sessions.
Most of the time, zoomies are harmless and often hilarious expressions of energy from our canine companions. As long as your pooch is in a safe environment, zoomies are nothing but a whole lot of fun for dogs and dog lovers alike.
