Have you ever seen your dog running around wild in the backyard or in circles? It looks funny, and it’s adorable. But this is called the zoomies, and it’s completely natural behavior. So, why do dogs get the zoomies? There are a few reasons why, so let’s talk about it.
What Are The Zoomies?
First, let’s explain what zoomies are. Zoomies is a fun term everyone uses to describe when dogs run around quickly, in circles, or just getting some energy out.
However, there is a technical term for this behavior. It’s called Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs).
Usually, when this occurs, you’ll notice your dog has a sudden burst of energy. They’ll run in circles or back and forth no matter where they are.
They might suddenly get the zoomies in the house and run throughout the living room, jumping on the couches. Or, if they’re in the yard, you might see them running laps around the fence’s perimeter.
When Can Zoomies Occur?
Zoomies are nothing to be alarmed about. It’s a natural behavior in dogs, and it’s completely harmless.
The zoomies can occur in different parts of the day and in specific situations.
Most often than not, the zoomies will occur in younger dogs and puppies. However, this behavior can happen to any dog at any age.
Why Do Dogs Get The Zoomies?
There are many reasons that dogs get the zoomies. As mentioned before, it’s a natural behavior. However, the zoomies occur when your dog is feeling certain emotions. Sometimes it can be from something exciting, or it can be from something unexpected.
They Have Pent-Up Energy
One of the most common reasons dogs get the zoomies is because they’re unleashing energy.
For example, if your dog is in a crate for most of the day, they might run wild when you get home and let them out. They’ve been sitting around all day and haven’t had a chance to play or get exercise.
While this isn’t a bad thing, this is one reason someone should check in on your dog during the day if you aren’t home. Whether it’s a dog walker or you bring them to doggy daycare, your pup will be able to get out their energy throughout the day.
Your Dog Is Trying To Warm Up
You might have noticed that your dog runs around with the zoomies after a bath or being outside on a chilly day.
One reason they might do this is to warm up. They’ll run around to get their body temperature back up if they’re too cold, especially if they’re wet from a bath or the rain.
They’re Too Excited
Some dogs just can’t contain their excitement. So whether you’ve come home after a long day or from getting the mail, your pup may be happy to see you again.
Alternatively, they might be too happy to see family or friends if you have company over. They don’t know what to do with all this excitement, so they run around with the zoomies, getting their excitement out.
Your Dog Is Anxious Or Nervous
On the other hand, your dog might be anxious or nervous about something. For example, if they were stressed about going to the vet or met a new person they were unsure of, they might get the zoomies.
When this happens, they’re trying to let go of any stress they might be feeling. Also, if you’ve been out of the house for a long time, they might have the zoomies when you’re not around because they’re worried about when you’ll come home.
They’re Trying To Run From Something
Similar to the point above, your dog might also be trying to run from something. For example, if they got bit by a bug or they have poop stuck to their bottom, they may run to get away from it.
Your dog doesn’t realize what it is, so they try to run. In this case, they don’t exactly get the zoomies. It only looks like they have the zoomies because they’re frantically running around.
It’s Instinct
Finally, one reason they get the zoomies is that it’s instinct. Coyotes, wolves, and other canine family members in the wild will hunt and run for their food. Your dog has that instinct in them, even if it’s only a little bit.
So, if you notice that your dog has the zoomies at a certain time every day (such as the early morning or later in the evening), it could be because their hunting instincts have kicked in.
Since there’s nothing to hunt, they don’t know what else to do, so they run around.
Zoomies Are Fun To Watch
While you should keep an eye on your pup to make sure you know why they’re getting the zoomies, it’s a fun form of body language to watch. And it’s cute, too.
