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For those of you with canine companions, you have most likely watched your dog suddenly burst into a frenzy of energy, racing around the room like a furry tornado.
Dog zoomies are a common behaviour and do not cause your dog any harm. AKC says that according to Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist Jill Goldman, PhD., zoomies are a type of Frenetic Random Activity Period (FRAP). Zoomies occur when a dog has a sudden burst of energy, runs around in circles, jumps, and generally acts silly. Zoomies usually occur in puppies or younger dogs and are not a cause for concern.
However, if your dog has zoomies frequently, it could be a sign of a more significant behavioural issue. Keeping track of how often your dog has the zoomies and consulting with a veterinarian can help determine if there is a more significant problem.
In general, dog zoomies are a fun and natural behaviour that allows your dog to release pent-up energy.
Dogs get the zoomies to release built-up excess energy. Although this behaviour can appear worrying, it is natural and generally harmless for dogs.
As your dog ages, the occurrence of zoomies tends to lessen. However, no matter the age, if your dog exhibits zoomies excessively, speak with your veterinarian.
According to behaviourist Dr Pamela J. Perry '89, D.V.M., there isn't a specific known cause of Frenetic Random Activity Period (FRAPs) in dogs.
Here are a few known causes of FRAPs in dogs.
When your dog gets excited, zoomies can be a way for them to release the built-up energy in a fun and playful way. Some also believe that zoomies can be a way for your dog to communicate their excitement.
Your dog can get triggered from tolerating stressful or uncomfortable situations, such as visiting the vet or being washed in the bath. Within that time, your dog builds up nervous energy, which is released through FRAPs.
Your dog may get the zoomies when they're cold to help warm themselves up. When dogs run around and play, it increases their heart rate and circulation, which in turn raises their body temperature.
Playing with other canine friends, cuddling you on the couch, or the moment after having a poo are examples of feel-good moments for your dog. Sometimes these feel-good moments can trigger your dog's FRAPs as a way for them to celebrate.
Zoomies are generally positive; however, on odd occasions, zoomies can be a sign that your dog is hurt. Dr Pamela J. Perry says you can see if your dog is in pain by looking at their "posture during and after a FRAP episode". Your dog would be "more tense, with wide eyes and a tightly tucked tail"
Your dog has a built-in biological rhythm. For many dogs, zoomies can occur at the exact times each day.
We asked our customers if their dog has zoomies at specific times of the day, and here are the results:
91% Yes
9% No
Zoomies themselves will not harm your dog. However, your dog can injure themselves by bumping into people, furniture or misplaced items in the room.
Dr Pamela J. Perry advises to "keep zooming dogs away from stairs, slippery floors, obstacles and the road". Try to direct your zooming dog to a carpeted room, a more open-spaced room or a fully fenced garden.
Jill Goldman states that it is "fine to let your dog's zoomies run their course". Overall, zoomies are safe for your dog and follow the above advice to avoid your dog injuring themselves.
If your puppy appears to be nipping or biting when they get the zoomies, this is relatively common and shouldn't be anything to be worried about. However, it is highly recommended to redirect that behaviour to stop it from happening again.
If aggressive behaviour persists or has newly occurred when your dog gets the zoomies, it is essential to address the underlying cause. Aggressive behaviour can be displayed due to many factors. Examples are that your dog could be in pain, stressed or in an uncomfortable situation. Jill Goldman recommends tracking your dog's zooming behaviour to help find the underlying issue.
You won't be able to completely stop your dog from zooming. However, you may be able to lessen the frequency of the zoomies and the length of time the zoomies last.
To help prevent zoomies, ensure your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation, introduce a more consistent daily schedule and try avoiding things that trigger your dog zooming.
Skipper's treats may not directly help with dog zoomies. However, Skipper's treats can be used to redirect your dog's burst of energy and attention. It is recommended to redirect your dog's zooming behaviour towards a more structured activity that can prevent or reduce the intensity of your dog's zoomies.
If you know the signs that your dog is about to have zoomies, offer them a Skipper's treat, such as a bite-sized treat and use that to lure your dog to get them engaged in an activity such as fetch, training exercise, walk, etc.
Overall natural dog treats are the best option of treat to feed your dog. However, it is best to choose a natural dog treat that is healthy and low in fat. Skipper's natural dog treats are low in fat, and the majority only contain one ingredient. Even better, Skipper's natural dog treats are beneficial in various ways towards your dog's health.
Therefore, whilst you're directing your dog's burst of energy from their zoomies to another activity, you're benefiting your dog's health in ways such as maintaining the health of your dog's brain, improving your dog's joints, improving the condition of your dog's skin & coat and more!
Zoomies are generally a sign that your dog is happy and are most often than not triggered by various positive factors. Your dog's excitement and happiness builds-up, and that energy is then released in a quick burst through zoomies.
However, on other occasions, zoomies can indicate that your dog is stressed and possibly in pain. You can differentiate whether your dog is happy or sad through your dog's posture and behaviour during and after the zoomies.
When your dog gets the zoomies, this means your dog has built-up energy that needs releasing. When your dog releases the built-up energy, it is seen through a burst known as Zoomies or, more scientifically, Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs). There can be various causes of your dog's zoomies, and a lot of behaviouralists and vets recommend watching your dog's zooming patterns to further understand and help identify whether or not there is an underlying issue.
All dog breeds get the zoomies. Some dogs may have fewer zoomies than others, but this can be dependent on various factors.
The length of time that your dog gets the FRAPs differs from dog to dog and is dependent on what has triggered the zoomies.
We asked our customers how long their dog's zoomies last, and this was the result:
43% less than a minute
28% 2-5 minutes
29% 5-10 minutes
