Born to (randomly) run ... dog zoomies explained

Long before Zoom, there were “the zoomies.” The informal name for those frantic, random bursts of energy our dogs sometimes get that leave them running in circles, spinning around, and bolting through the yard … or house.

Take Max, a medium-sized Poodle-Lhasa Apso mix who would, on occasion (but for no apparent reason), go from zero to 60, tearing through the backyard at breakneck speed. His path through the yard and around the trees was always the same: an outline of the number eight.

It was the zoomies. His family would just say, “Max is doing his figure eights.”

What are the zoomies?

The technical name for the zoomies is Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs) — a natural dog behavior that results from a normal release of pent-up energy.

Commonly described as a wild run that comes out of nowhere, zoomies last for a few minutes at the most, and are a dog’s most visible way of expressing happiness and excitement.

The zoomies can occur in dogs of almost any age — from puppies (as soon as they develop the skills and strength to run) to adult and senior dogs healthy enough to have that kind of energy.

What causes the zoomies?

While seemingly random — hence the name — experts have a few possible explanations for what brings on the zoomies:

Excitement

Nothing brings more excitement to a dog than the sight of you coming in the door after a long day — or just an hour.

Running a close second to that is when company — human or dog — comes calling.

Other activities that can set off FRAPs:

• After a walk. All the excitement of being out can keep your dog stimulated when the walk is done.
• Meeting a new canine friend at the dog park.
• After a trip to the groomer.
• After a vet visit.

Stress relief

Dog zoomies are both a physical and mental action, and are often a way to relieve stress.

Excitement and stress can go hand in hand. Some of the activities that can cause excitement in dogs — like baths and trips to the vet — can also cause stress.

The zoomies provide stress relief for a dog after he’s been such a good boy, staying still for his bath or vet visit. They’re also a way for a dog to expend nervous energy after spending a long day alone with no stimulation.

Watching the zoomies

Something else that can bring on the zoomies is … watching someone with the zoomies. Dogs can get a sudden case of “frapping” watching other dogs, children or adults involved in high-energy, playful behavior.

Excess energy

A surplus of energy released in one big rush is another possible cause — like a little kid who’s feeling the freedom of being let out of school. This must be how our dogs feel when getting let out of their crates after a night’s sleep or for several hours while we’re gone.

How to keep your dog safe during the zoomies

A case of the zoomies is usually a sign your dog is happy and having fun. From your dog’s perspective, there’s no downside.

But these energy bursts could put your dog in potential danger if they happen in the wrong setting.

Veterinarians offer these tips to keep your dog safe:

Stay away from roads.

Grassy fenced-in yards or fenced-in dog parks are the safest place for a session of the zoomies. If the zoomies happen on a walk, keep firm control of the leash so your dog doesn’t get away. He may have to delay his zoomie until he gets home to his fenced yard. (This is when Max got the zoomies. Once he was off his leash, look out.)

Try not to chase your dog.

Chasing your dog will make him think it’s a game. Call him back to you with his favorite toy or dog treat instead. When he’s close enough, slip his leash on.

Run in a different direction.

If your dog won’t come bounding back to you when you call, try running in a different direction. Your dog may end up chasing you.

Stay away from stairs and slippery, elevated areas.

Try to keep your dog away from stairs and slippery areas — like hardwood and tile floors inside and icy decks and driveways outside — where he might fall and hurt himself. Carpeting inside and grass outside provide more traction.

Clear a path.

If your dog has a favorite path indoors, remove fragile objects in the way.

Let your dog rest afterward.

The zoomies leave your dog exhausted afterward. Give your pooch several minutes to relax and recover before asking anything of him. In those first few minutes following a zoomie, he’s not listening to you anyway.

Watch your dog in hot weather.

Your dog might not be inclined to show his excitement in hot weather, but if he does, be careful he doesn’t overheat.

Are zoomies ever a sign of something wrong?

Rarely.

Occasionally, a dog might have what an owner describes as constant zoomies, which could be a sign of a behavioral problem. If that’s happening with your dog, contact your vet. Try to keep track of how often your dog is zooming and for what reasons — for example, what event or activity preceded the zoomie.

Frequent zoomies could also be a sign that your dog is bored or not getting enough exercise.

Some pet owners worry that the zoomies indicate illness or excessive stress. Or, they think the zoomies are a sign of an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

While things like licking the floor obsessively or frequent snapping at the air like they’re trying to catch a fly can be signs of compulsive behavior in dogs, zooming around the house or yard is not.

For the vast majority of dogs, the zoomies are a good thing.

Is the lack of zoomies a sign of something wrong?

Not at all. Things like a dog’s personality, breed type and age play a role in whether a dog gets the zoomies. Some dogs have a more docile personality, and the absence of the zoomies doesn’t mean they’re not happy.

The bottom line

The zoomies are normal behavior for a dog. If your dog is in a safe situation when he has them, sit back and enjoy it! Max’s family can still see him zooming, happily running his figure eights like a race car driver.