- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Has your dog ever gotten a sudden, unexpected burst of energy and run in circles at top speed? That’s the zoomies.
“During these high-energy episodes, dogs can be seen spinning, dashing, and racing around with excitement, often bringing happiness and a bit of chaos to any room or yard,” explains Dr. Nell Ostermeier, a veterinarian and spokesperson with Figo Pet Insurance.
The technical term for these sudden, energetic outbursts is “frenetic random activity period” (FRAP), and they can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. There’s no medical explanation for why dogs get them, but most experts think they’re a way for dogs to release stress or burn off extra energy.
Got a doggo with zoomies? Here’s what we know about how FRAPs work.
Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?
Dr. Jessica Taylor, a veterinarian with Petfolk, says that zoomies are often triggered by excitement in the environment. That might be you coming home from work, your dog opening a new toy, a fellow pet getting excited, or extra post-bath energy. Dr. Ostermeier notes that in some cases, they can also signal that your dog needs more physical exercise or mental stimulation.
1. Excitement during play or training
Playtime allows your dog to release energy, have fun, and bond with you. With all of this excitement, it’s no wonder that playtime or training sessions can trigger the zoomies.
It’s especially common if it’s your dog’s first game of the day, or if they’re a little short on exercise. Renee Rhoades, Head Behavior Consultant at R+Dogs, says that ensuring your dog gets some form of physical stimulation during the day can help temper the intensity of zoomies.
2. Joy when you get home from work
Have you ever been so excited that you felt like you could burst? The same can happen to our dogs, especially when you get home after a long day of work. Zoomies are a playful way for dogs to release all that built-up tension happily.
“Arousal related to positive events, such as a favorite human guest or arriving at a fun outdoor space, are perfect setups for zoomies, especially if they coincide with a lack of other physical or mental stimulation during the day,” says Rhoades.
3. Pent-up energy after a bath
Whether your dog loves ’em or hates ’em, baths can bring about a bunch of emotions. Dogs often get zoomies after a bath as a way to decompress or release excess energy. They may also go into zoomie mode to dry off, so make sure to have a towel on hand.
4. After pooping
You may notice your pup gets a dose of the zoomies after using the potty. This could be due to a number of reasons, including feeling relieved from discomfort, releasing pent-up energy, or associating using the bathroom with rewards and positive reinforcement.
5. The witching hour and puppyhood
While older dogs can get the zoomies, they more frequently occur in younger pups—often as part of their “witching hour,” explains Leigh Siegfried, CEO at Opportunity Barks Dog Training. According to the National Canine Research Association of America, the witching hour is when your pup acts a bit wild and typically occurs early in the morning or between 5 and 8 pm.
You may notice more “overtired” zoomies in puppies than older dogs. Overtired zoomies are more typical in puppies under six months of age, Siegfried says. In these instances, an attempt to tire them out isn’t the best plan. Instead, take steps to help calm them and prepare them for bed.
Ekaterina Vakhrusheva via iStock
Do Zoomies Mean My Dog Is Happy?
While there’s no clear answer to what zoomies mean exactly, it’s usually easy to determine your pup’s mood from their environment. Sometimes your dog might be zooming around because they’re happy an excited—but they might also be overstimulated or even stressed. Here’s how to tell.
Excitement
Excitement is an especially common cause of zoomies. Look for high energy and loose and wiggly body language. Context clues are also a big help—for example, if you just grabbed the leash for an outing, those are probably excitement zoomies.
Overstimulation or overtiredness
You might see overtired zoomies after a bath or at the end of a long day, especially with puppies. Visual clues are pinned back ears and panting. To encourage your pup to rest, try to take things down a notch and encourage them to settle in their favorite spot.
Pent-up energy
Zoomies are often a way to release pent-up energy. If your dog has had to stay still for a while, like during a bath or car ride, you might expect to see top-speed zoomies afterward.
If you’re hoping to avoid a sprint, try adding exercise ahead of time with an extra play session, walk, or snuffle mat.
Nervous or stressed energy
Sometimes, zoomies can be a response to fear, anxiety, or stress. So how can you differentiate between a happy zoomie and a stressed-out one?
“This can be a bit more challenging,” Rhoades laments. “The communication the dog gives through their body movements and subtle signs will give the best estimation of their feelings.”
If zoomies are happening after periods of lethargy, disinterest in everyday activities and play, aggression, or hiding, Rhoades says to take a closer look. “Proceed with the understanding that the dog is either conflicted or uncomfortable,” she recommends.
In these instances, she adds, the best thing a pet parent can do is back away, respect their dog’s space, and create distance to de-escalate the situation and help reduce their dog’s stress levels.
What If You Need To Interrupt the Zoomies?
If you’re a new dog parent, the first time you see your pup engage in zoomies might be a bit of a funny surprise—but there’s nothing to worry about. “It is perfectly normal for dogs to get the zoomies,” explains Rhoades. In fact, adds Siegfried, some would say you shouldn’t, since it’s a healthy and natural release of energy.
But there may come a time when you need to intervene—like if you’re in an area where your dog needs to stay calm and on leash, for example.
For a quick solution, Rhoades recommends scattering treats on the ground, since simple nose work activities can help calm dogs.
Siegfried suggests training for a longer-term solution, including practicing having your dog come when called in low-distraction and high-distraction settings to make it “an accessible behavior when a dog is playing.”
An “enough” or “done” cue can also help to indicate play is at an end, though Siegfried adds that it will take practice to be able to use it to interrupt the zoomies.
Too many zoomies?
If your dog is running in circles, but it doesn’t look like the zoomies, other factors might be at work. “Spinning,” for example, occurs when a dog runs or turns in tight circles repeatedly. Regular, compulsive spinning can indicate a neurological issue, and it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your vet.
Spinning in circles can also be a stress response. It’s seen particularly in dogs that grew up in crowded or cramped conditions, like a puppy mill.
Some breeds are prone to running in small circles as a form of self-expression. Pomeranians and Shiba Inus are especially famous circlers. If your vet gives you the all clear, feel free to sit back and enjoy your goofy friend’s circle runs in peace.
