Probably, as a pet parent, the term zoomies is alien to you. Then there are some who know the meaning, but are unsure how to deal with it. No, it hasn’t anything to do with your dog turning into a zombie as the name mimics. At times, you must have witnessed all of a sudden, your dog that was peacefully cuddling, starts racing around the house at lightning speed.
During the sprint, it will usually have its tail tucked, the eyes will be visible wider than ever, tails wagging rapidly, and the paws will be thundering against the floor. For reasons best known to them, they would leap onto furniture, skid around corners, and even start circling. In the world of dogs, this sudden burst of energy is referred to as zoomies.
As a dog parent, you must be curious to know why dogs do it. You also want to know if it is a result of their mood swings that are related to happiness, stress, or something else. For your convenience, let us elaborate on the topic and offer some tips on how to handle the dog at this stage.
Understanding the concept of zoomies
In scientific terms, zoomies are known as FRAPs, i.e., Frenetic Random Activity Periods. As described before, these are displays of high energy in short bursts. It includes all the activities that they do, like jumping, running in circles, and so on. For your information, zoomies aren’t exclusive to dogs only. Even cats, rabbits, and some larger animals are known to have their respective versions. For dogs, it can last anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes, but the intensity makes it feel much longer.
The logic behind zoomies
Zoomies in dogs can be defined as their body’s way of releasing built-up energy or excitement. When a dog is resting or cuddling peacefully, their body is still producing adrenaline and storing energy. At a point, that stored energy reaches the saturation point, and it needs a way to get out; this is when zoomies occur.
Factors that can trigger zoomies
Based on the research conducted on dogs, several factors can be responsible for dogs displaying such behavior, and these are as follows:
- Adrenaline spikes: Dogs would often do this after a bath, a grooming session, or after a vet visit. The reason is that in each case, their body experienced high levels of stress and excitement.
- Outburst of joy: Dogs at times sprint as they are happy. It is usually evident during playtime or when they see their favorite person.
- Release of constrained energy: If, for a few days, the dog hasn’t been active, it can trigger frequent zoomies, as the built-in energy requires a medium to pass out.
The most common triggers for zoomies
Zoomies can happen at any time, but some circumstances can trigger them more often:
- Post-bath or grooming- The sensation its body experiences when it gets wet or even the effect of a brush on its fur can stimulate it to display zoomies.
- First thing in the morning: When dogs wake up, they are bursting with energy and are ready to go, and this often leads to a sudden burst of activity in the form of zoomies.
- After potty- The sheer feeling of eliminating the stuff from their guts makes them feel relieved and can lead them to experience zoomies.
When their pet parent returns home: If, as a pet parent, you are out for a while, seeing you return home would make it burst into enthusiasm, and it will display such behavior.
So are zoomies a sign of happiness or stress?
Well, it can be for both, but zoomies are mainly associated with happiness. As dog owners, there isn’t anything to be afraid of when you see your beloved companion running around in a frenzy. You can depict it as their harmless expressions of joy and energy. On rare occasions, stress can trigger zoomies. For instance, if it experiences an uncomfortable bath, the dog might zoom and shake off randomly to wade off the tension.
Observing the body language of the dog is crucial
It should be the priority of every dog owner to notice the body language of their pets during their outburst. Here is how to recognize them:
- Happy zoomies: In this situation, the dog will have a happy face, it will wag its tail, the body posture will be loose, and it will be accompanied by playful barks.
- Stress-induced zoomies: In such cases, the muscles would be tense, their eyes would remain wide, their tails tucked, and they would be running without any reason.
Can zoomies be dangerous?
Although zoomies aren’t considered dangerous, the environment where it is being displayed can certainly become an element of risk. For example, in their over excitement, dogs can crash into furniture, slip on floors, and even knock over fragile items. When the dogs display it outdoors, they are prone to hazards like falling against uneven surfaces, coming in contact with sharp objects, or leading up to the nearby road where the traffic is heavy.
Tips to keep the dog safe
You should provide the dogs with a clear space to run. Meanwhile, you should remove obstacles or breakable items from their running zones. Put up rugs on the floor, as they will reduce the risk of them slipping.
Handling zoomies
Never stop the dog from doing what they are up to. Always keep in mind that zoomies would last for a short time, so the best idea would be to let the dog burn off its energy by running around in a safe place. In case zoomies happen indoors and you have a limited space, you can try redirecting the burst of energy via controlled games like tug-of-war or fetching sessions in the corridor.
You can convert the session into a playing opportunity for them. You can chase them, and they would love it. Lastly, ensure the dog gets its regular dose of physical activity on a daily basis. Regular walks, mental games, and play sessions can minimize the intensity and frequency of zoomies.
Zoomies in pups and adult dogs
Quite expectedly, pups would tend to experience zoomies more than adult dogs. The former has more energy to burn, and they hardly have any control over their impulses. Gradually, as the pup ages and turns into an adult dog, zoomies will become less frequent and will be only visible at times. If you notice senior dogs in your house exhibiting such behavior, then you have more reasons to be happy, as it is an indication that the dog is feeling good and is happy.
Can zoomies be a concern for their health?
As mentioned earlier, zoomies are not known to be harmful, but sudden bursts of activity in a few dogs should be considered carefully. For instance, dogs with joint issues or arthritis can lead to strain. In certain breeds, excitement can cause breathing problems. Then again, dogs that are recovering from an injury or surgery might worsen their present condition by displaying such behavior. It is best to remain in touch with the vet if the dog has any underlying health conditions.
So, do not worry when you observe the pup or the dog bursting around the room in full-on energy. Enjoy the scene and offer them words of encouragement; they will love it.