What are dog zoomies and are they a sign of a happy dog?

23/09/2024

Ever wondered why your pup sometimes has a sudden burst of energy and takes it upon themselves to tuck their butt, bulge their eyeballs and lap around the house until they collapse into a panting flop?

Well we’re glad to let you know that your pup hasn’t gone mad - it’s simply a case of the dog zoomies. Otherwise known as frenetic random activity periods (or FRAPS), let’s explore everything you need to know about it below.

What are the zoomies?

Dog zoomies (otherwise known as scrumbling and midnight crazies) are sudden bursts of energy that result in your dog running like a maniac around your coffee table, garden, or entire perimeter of the house.

For the ‘official’ zoomies meaning, they’re otherwise known as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPS). This simply means wildly uncontrollable and unpredictable activity periods.

Why do dogs get the zoomies?

Zoomies is a dog behavior that’s simply a result of pent-up energy, excitement, a lack of mental stimulation, or relief that an unenjoyable situation is over. 

That excess energy is then released in a short, sharp burst (FRAP), which looks like your pup tucking their butt, and sprinting into a furry blur around the coffee table, garden, or house, or a mix of all three.

With a smile from ear to ear, it’s not uncommon for pet parents (and pet sitters alike) to conclude the pup in their care has simply gone mad. Luckily, it’s widely agreed that zoomies are an expression of playful energy, rather than aggression or fear. 

Why dogs get the zoomies

• To release pent-up energy
• To express excitement
• To escape an object attached to them (like poop or a twig)
• To warm up their body temperature
• To release tension or anxiety
• To align with ancient hunting cycles
• To relieve pain in their hind

When do dog zoomies normally happen?

Zoomies in dogs usually happen…

• When you arrive home;
• After going for a poop;
• Late evening;
• After eating;
• After a long car journey;
• During playtime;
• During training (if your pup gets overstimulated);
• When they’re excited for some reason;
• After a bath.

Are zoomies dangerous?

Generally, dog zoomies aren’t dangerous, but the obstacles they might run into, or trinkets on the coffee table they might knock over can be. So, to make a case of the zoomies safer for your pup, try to make sure they’re either in a fenced area or a carpeted room where they’re unable to slip or knock anything over.

It’s always important to monitor your canine’s behavior when it comes to zoomies, though. If it becomes obsessive and energy builds a little too regularly, it could be a sign that your doggo is suffering in some way. In that case, you’ll need to speak to your vet.

One way to monitor your doggo’s zoomies habits is to look at what event they’re happening after. For example, if zoomies is consistently happening when you get home or after having been left in a crate, it could be a sign they’ve been left alone for too long.

Why do dogs spin in circles?

Ever wondered where your dog’s uncontrollable need to run in circles comes from? Let’s take a look.

• Dog zoomies. Yup, spinning in circles can sometimes be part of your dog’s zoomies routine. Sometimes it’s for other reasons, so take a look below to get clued-up on other reasons for your dog’s tendency to run in circles.
• They have an itch. Unlike us humans, dogs can’t reach their hind to scratch as easily as we can, so sometimes they may chase the itch that’s bothering them.
• Chasing their tail. Tail chasing can occur in dogs out of curiosity, but other times it can be due to boredom (or other behavioral issues), or a skin issue that’s bothering them.
• Primal instincts. You might notice your pup circling before they settle for bed - this may come from a primal instinct to choose a good spot for sleeping, circling the area for padded spots of snow, grass or leaves. The circling also helps dogs to scan the area for predators before settling for bed.
• Nervousness. Your dog spinning in circles can be due to nervous energy, so monitor when the behavior occurs and speak to your veterinarian if it continues.
• Marking their territory. Did you know that there are scent glands in your dog’s paws? Walking in circles helps to mark the area they’re about to rest in as their special spot.
• Medical issues. Circling that seems to be regular could indicate your pup is suffering from a medical issue, like cognitive dysfunction (which is similar to dementia), ear infections and imbalance, or even brain disease. Regular circling in dogs should always be met with an appointment at the vet’s.

Why do dogs go crazy after a bath?

Post-bath hyperactivity in dogs can happen for a number of reasons, including relieving stress, shaking off excess water, excitement, nervousness, joy or ridding themselves of that strange shampoo scent.

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

Why do dogs get so excited when you come home?

Ever wondered why dogs get so excited when you come home? Explore our blog to find out why zoomies in dogs (and general canine excitement) is what you’re greeted with when you walk through the door.