Are zoomies fun for dogs?
Dog Zoomies: 3 Causes of This Behavior
Have you ever seen your dog with a case of the zoomies? Dog zoomies can be cute and fun, especially when your dog seems to be having a good time with them. However, some pet owners wonder what causes this behavior and whether or not it’s normal in their pets.
In the article below, you’ll find out more information about dog zoomies. You’ll learn some of the most common causes of this habit and find out when, if ever, it’s a cause for concern. Read on to discover more about your dog’s case of the zoomies!
What are Dog Zoomies?
Zoomies are bursts of energy that cause dogs to run around and act hyper and energetic for a short period of time. They are officially known as frenetic random activity periods, or FRAPs, and they are part of everyday life for many dogs.
If your dog has the zoomies, you may see them running around in circles, chasing their tail, or spinning in place. They may also repeat the same motion over and over again for a few minutes, looking happy all the while.
Zoomies aren’t the Same as Seizures
It’s important to note that zoomies are not the same as seizures in dogs. Seizures can sometimes look a little bit like zoomies, but a dog with a seizure is not a happy-looking pet.
If your dog is suffering from a seizure, they may run in circles or may walk back and forth while repeating the same motion. However, they will also look sick or confused, may be unable to pay attention to you or to their surroundings, and may paddle their feet or gulp over and over again. Seizures require a visit to the emergency vet unless your dog has known epilepsy.
What Can Cause Zoomies in Dogs?
While zoomies can be a very common behavior in dogs, it’s still important to know what can cause them to start doing this so that you always know what’s going on with your pet. If you do have any questions about your dog’s behavior, you should always contact your veterinarian. They will be the best resource in helping find out why your dog is behaving a certain way.
3 things that can cause dog zoomies are:
Boredom and Stress
Dogs who are cooped up all day in a crate waiting for their owners to come home may have a case of the zoomies when they are released from the crate. This is because they become bored during the day and get a lot of pent-up energy that needs to be expressed somehow. It’s perfectly fine to crate-train your dog, but just be aware that they may have the zoomies for a little while when you first let them out for the day, and that this is completely normal as well.
Stress can also cause zoomies in your dog. Dogs may have the zoomies when they’ve been through a period of high stress in their lives, such as a difficult vet visit. If your dog is afraid of baths and has to go through a bath, this may be another situation in which they have the zoomies afterward. Your dog is just blowing off steam, more or less, and is likely to settle down again in a short amount of time.
Pay attention to their behavior to make sure they calm down in a while and aren’t dealing with too much anxiety.
Time of Day
The time of day may have an impact on your dog’s zoomies. Some dogs get the zoomies shortly after eating, when they have more energy from the food they’ve just consumed. Others show this behavior pattern in the evenings when their human family members are all at home for the day.
Dogs may also become more energetic and more likely to have a case of the zoomies when they first wake up or shortly before they go to bed at night. Your dog is an individual and will experience zoomies differently, especially when it comes to those caused by the time of day.
Younger Age
Finally, if your pet is younger, there is a much greater chance of them having dog zoomies than there might be in an older dog. Puppies and dogs under about three years of age are more prone to bouts of the zoomies than older dogs, simply because they have a lot more energy to blow off.
However, that isn’t to say that older dogs can’t have the zoomies. Some older dogs may feel inspired to charge happily around the house or yard every now and then, but the instances of the zoomies may become less and less as your dog gets older.
Are Dog Zoomies Normal?
As you can see, there’s nothing to be worried about when your dog has the zoomies. This behavior is perfectly normal, and it is simply much more common in some dogs than in others. All dogs have the chance of having the zoomies, however, so don’t be surprised if your dog takes off running in circles even if they never have before!
If you have any further questions or concerns about your pet’s health or wellness, be sure to talk to your vet for more information. Although zoomies are nothing to worry about, it’s still a good practice to speak to your vet any time you have questions.
Our team at Heart + Paw is always willing and happy to provide high quality veterinary care for your pet. Whether it’s about dog zoomies or other behaviors, we’re here to answer all of your questions. You can schedule a visit for your pet at any one of our locations by booking an appointment on our website or calling our team. When it comes to figuring out what’s going on with your pet, talking with a veterinarian is going to be the best way to get the answers you need.
Dog Zoomies: What Are They And Why Does My Dog Get Them?
If your dog is running around your house or yard for no apparent reason (often running in circles) then there’s a good chance your pup has a case of the Zoomies. Let’s look at why dogs get the zoomies, how long they last, and a few things you should understand about this hilarious behavior.
Last Updated: January 19, 2023 | 6 min read
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 walk through how to stop them if it’s causing you to get frustrated with your pup!
What Are Dog Zoomies Anyways?
The term zoomies refers to when our pups run around like madmen, 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 will often run in circles until their heart’s content.
Dogs have different zoomie triggers, but it can occur in pups of all kinds. There is not always a rhyme or reason behind them, but it’s usually just a way to help them release any pent-up energy they harbor. Zoomies are normal canine behavior and typically last anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute.
Are They 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 expect the behavior to subside as well. Zoomies take energy, and dogs can simply lose interest as they age. Because of this, you will see them occur more frequently in puppies than in older dogs.
Why Do Dogs Get The Zoomies?
Dogs can get the zoomies for multiple reasons. Ranging from normal excitement to a lack of proper exercise, many things can cause our pups to zoom. To help you better understand the behavior, let’s dive into the many causes below.
Getting The Zoomies Outside
Some dogs get the zoomies each time they step foot outside. A wide-open space is a perfect area to let loose, especially if a dog is off-leash. Most dogs truly enjoy being outdoors, which can cause them to run around erratically.
A dog’s time outdoors may also be their only chance to run around without limits. Your dog may be aware that your living room does not offer a wide-open range, meaning this is their chance to blow off some steam.
If your dog gets the zoomies each time they are outdoors, this is just their way of telling us they are happy. The more they exhibit the behavior while playing outside, the easier it will be for them to wind down later on.
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? If so, this is just your dog’s way of saying they are having a good time. Zoomies can be a way to amp up their playtime, especially if another dog is involved.
It is extremely common to see multiple dogs running around with the zoomies at dog parks with other pups. 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.
Zoomies After Bathing
The most common time for a dog to get the zoomies is after bathtime. 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 not only release any pent-up anxiety but even dry off throughout the process. Zoomies may just be a dog’s way of saying, “thank goodness bathtime is over.”
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.
Similar to other zoomie triggers, we don’t know for sure. But it’s 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 just relieved once they do their 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 its territory. Dogs have scent glands on the pads of their feet, leading them to kick up the first around 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 sure are fun to watch!
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 each day, with some breeds requiring up to an hour. This is especially important for young dogs, as they will have much more energy to burn each day.
It’s important 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 is having 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 more interactive games, investing in mentally stimulating games, or participating in other activities your dog enjoys.
Can You Prevent Dog Zoomies?
Some dogs will experience zoomies no matter what, but there are a few ways to reduce their frequency in active pups. This active behavior can be a result of pent-up energy, meaning the best way to prevent it is by making sure your pup stays active. You can do this by:
- 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
There are many ways to exercise your pup based on the type of activities they enjoy. If it gets your dog moving, it can help to prevent dog zoomies.
Should I Try To Stop The Behavior?
Dog zoomies are completely normal. There is nothing wrong with this behavior, and can be a wonderful 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. The frequency can be decreased when a dog receives more mental or physical stimulation, making this a behavior that can easily be diminished. However, as long as your pup is not stirring up trouble, the behavior is nothing to worry about.
Final Thoughts
Zoomies are a normal canine behavior most dogs experience. It’s not something that you need to be worried about, other than if you have a large dog and are worried they may knock someone over. Be sure to review the above information, and you can better understand your dog’s zoomies, as well as how to stop them if you aren’t happy with the behavior.
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