Why do dogs get the zoomies?

One minute your dog is relaxing quietly. The next, they are sprinting around the backyard, racing through the house or doing laps around the furniture at full speed.

These sudden bursts of energy are commonly known as the “zoomies”. While they can look chaotic, zoomies are generally a normal part of canine behaviour.

In fact, animal professionals have a term for them: Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs). These are short periods of intense, seemingly spontaneous activity that can include running, spinning, sharp turns, play bows and excited jumping.

So, why do dogs do it — and why do zoomies seem to appear at very particular times?

What causes dog zoomies?

There isn’t one confirmed cause behind zoomies.

According to Cornell University’s Riney Canine Health Center, FRAPs appear to provide dogs with a way to release pent-up energy or alleviate stress. They can also occur when a dog becomes particularly excited, such as when their owner comes home.

This means zoomies aren’t necessarily caused by one particular emotion. Instead, they may be associated with a sudden increase or release of energy, excitement, stimulation or tension.

Veterinary behaviourist Dr Wailani Sung also notes that zoomies can occur in response to happiness and playfulness as well as stress, frustration and overtiredness.

Understanding what happened immediately before the zoomies can therefore tell you a lot about why your dog might be doing them.

When are you most likely to see zoomies?

Although they can seemingly come out of nowhere, there are some situations where dogs are particularly likely to start racing around.

After being quiet for a while

A dog that has spent several hours resting or with limited opportunities for activity may suddenly have energy to burn.

Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine gives the example of a dog that has been home alone during the day. After hours of relatively little stimulation, running around the house or backyard may provide an opportunity to expend some of that built-up energy.

This may also help explain why some dogs reliably get their zoomies when their owners arrive home.

When you come home

Your arrival can be one of the most exciting parts of your dog’s day.

That increase in excitement can result in enthusiastic greetings, toys being brought to you and, for some dogs, a sudden sprint around the house.

Cornell lists an owner’s return home as one of the situations in which FRAPs commonly occur.

During or after play

Zoomies can also appear when a dog is already having fun.

A game of fetch, tug or play with another dog can increase arousal and excitement. Instead of immediately calming down when the game ends, some dogs keep that energy going by racing around.

Look closely and you may notice familiar play signals during the zoomies. A dog might suddenly stop, perform a play bow — front legs lowered with their rear in the air — and then take off again.

These behaviours can help distinguish playful zoomies from movement associated with fear or distress.

After a bath

Anyone who has bathed an energetic dog may recognise this one.

The moment the towel comes off, the dog takes off.

Post-bath zoomies may be associated with several things happening at once, including excitement, relief after being handled and the unusual sensation of wet fur. Dogs may also roll or rub themselves against carpets, furniture or bedding afterwards.

So that frantic sprint down the hallway after bath time isn’t necessarily your dog protesting their new hairstyle.

In the evening

Puppies in particular can suddenly become extremely energetic in the evening.

The American Kennel Club describes these short periods of intense activity as FRAPs and notes that puppies may run in circles or abruptly start and stop during an episode.

Interestingly, evening zoomies don’t always mean a puppy needs even more exercise.

Overtiredness and overstimulation can also contribute to frantic behaviour. A puppy that has had a busy day may struggle to settle, resulting in what looks like one final explosion of energy before eventually resting.

What about zoomies after going to the toilet?

Some owners will also recognise the post-poop zoomie.

A dog finishes doing their business and suddenly launches into a lap of the backyard.

It’s a commonly observed behaviour, although exactly why it occurs isn’t well established. Cornell includes defecating among the situations in which dogs may experience FRAPs.

It may simply be another example of a particular event triggering excitement or a sudden change in arousal.

Are puppies more likely to get zoomies?

Generally, yes.

Cornell University’s veterinary experts report that FRAPs are most common among puppies and younger dogs, although some dogs continue having occasional zoomies throughout their lives.

Younger dogs often have plenty of energy and are still developing their ability to regulate excitement and settle themselves.

However, there’s nothing particularly strange about seeing an adult — or even senior — dog suddenly decide it’s time for a lap of the backyard.

Do zoomies mean your dog is happy?

Often, but not always.

When zoomies happen during play or excitement, you’ll generally see relaxed body language. Cornell describes a happy zooming dog as loose and wiggly, potentially bouncing around, displaying play bows or running with their tongue hanging out.

A dog experiencing fear or anxiety can look very different.

They may appear tense, keep their tail tightly tucked, lower their head or pin their ears backwards. If frantic running repeatedly occurs in situations your dog finds uncomfortable — such as grooming, training or unfamiliar environments — consider the wider context rather than automatically assuming they’re having fun.

Can frequent zoomies mean a dog needs more stimulation?

Sometimes.

Occasional zoomies are perfectly normal, but frequent episodes can be worth looking at alongside your dog’s overall routine.

Cornell’s veterinary team suggests that dogs displaying zoomies frequently or at inconvenient times may benefit from additional physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Mental enrichment is particularly important. Sniffing walks, training, food puzzles, scent games and opportunities to explore new environments can all give dogs productive outlets for their energy.

That doesn’t mean you need to stop occasional zoomies. For many dogs, running simply appears to be part of the fun.

Keeping a zooming dog safe

The behaviour itself is generally harmless. The surroundings aren’t always.

A dog travelling at full speed isn’t necessarily thinking about the coffee table, slippery floor or staircase ahead.

Cornell recommends keeping dogs away from roads, stairs, slippery flooring and other obstacles during FRAPs. Secure outdoor areas and surfaces with good traction, such as grass, can provide safer places for dogs to run.

Rather than chasing or trying to physically stop your dog, give them room where possible and allow the short burst of energy to pass safely.

When should you speak to your vet?

Zoomies are usually normal, particularly when they’re brief and your dog otherwise appears relaxed and happy.

However, sudden or unusual changes in behaviour deserve attention.

Cornell recommends seeking veterinary advice if a dog running frantically appears frightened, anxious or in pain.

You should also pay attention to behaviour that looks less like playful running and more like persistent or repetitive movement. Animal behaviour researchers from the University of Adelaide note that prolonged spinning, repetitive behaviour during confinement, difficulty interrupting the behaviour or resulting injuries are reasons to seek veterinary advice.

Ultimately, you know what’s normal for your dog. A two-minute sprint around the backyard after a bath may simply be their usual routine. A sudden change in behaviour accompanied by signs of discomfort is a different situation.

A normal burst of canine energy

Zoomies may look completely random, but they’re often connected to what’s happening around your dog.

Coming home, finishing a bath, playing with another dog, having spent time resting or simply reaching that energetic part of the evening can all precede a sudden FRAP.

For most dogs, these short bursts are simply part of normal canine behaviour. As long as your dog is happy, comfortable and somewhere safe to run, sometimes the best response is simply to get out of the way and let the zoomies run their course.

References:
Vet Cornell, ABC News