Zoomies Horror Show: Why Is Your Dog Running Wild?

Have you witnessed your dog running around in circles, unstoppable, maybe even biting you along the way? Let’s zoom in on these Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs, aka Zoomies), learn why they happen, and how to ensure your dog’s safety while zooming.

What Do Dog Zoomies Look Like? TL;DR – Funny horror show

You can think of zoomies like canine meditation: Your dog is concentrated on a single activity, and nothing else matters.

A dog in a zoomie-mood would appear restless, run rapidly around (inside or outside), tucking in their butt and tail, sometimes even biting or attacking. During this frenetic sprint, your dog ignores your commands as well as any physical obstacle – a tree, a car, or a person – and might accidentally hurt themselves. 

The Good, the Hyper, and the Stressed

There are three reasons that drive your dog to run around suddenly: 

1. Happy happy joy joy

Meeting a familiar person or fellow pet can evoke a wave of pure happiness that your dog needs to express. This kind of zoomie-attack wanes quickly and, while more common among puppies, can happen with adult dogs, too.

2. Hyper-doggy

Zoomie attacks are common among dogs with high energy. After resting for a long while, your dog might burst into a zoomie to release all this suppressed energy.

3. Stress relief

An unusual situation can cause your dog to zoom around madly: A bath, a visit to the vet, an evening walk in a crowded area, or some overwhelming experience. These zoomie-attacks usually happen after the fact, when and where your dog feels comfortable relieving their negative feelings. 

It’s important to understand the reason behind your dog’s zoomies in order to properly address their behavior. For example, if your dog is experiencing stress-related zoomies, it may be helpful to identify the root cause of their anxiety and work on reducing it through positive reinforcement training or behavior modification techniques. Similarly, if your dog is prone to hyperactivity, it’s important to make sure they are getting enough exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day to prevent excessive energy buildup. It’s also worth noting that while zoomies are generally harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue. If your dog’s zoomies seem to be excessive, sudden, or accompanied by other unusual behavior, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any potential medical concerns. By addressing the root cause of your dog’s zoomies and ensuring their safety during episodes, you can help them release their energy in a healthy and beneficial way.

How Can You Tell? Check the Dog’s Body Language

A happy-zoomer will bounce around you as they slow down, with a flap-out tongue and maybe some bow-play. A scared one will be more anxious, with eyes dilated pupils. Once they stop, they lower their head and fold back their ears.

How Should You React?

It’s important to understand the reason behind your dog’s zoomies in order to properly address their behavior. For example, if your dog is experiencing stress-related zoomies, it may be helpful to identify the root cause of their anxiety and work on reducing it through positive reinforcement training or behavior modification techniques.

Similarly, if your dog is prone to hyperactivity, it’s important to make sure they are getting enough exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day to prevent excessive energy buildup. It’s also worth noting that while zoomies are generally harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue. If your dog’s zoomies seem to be excessive, sudden, or accompanied by other unusual behavior, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any potential medical concerns. By addressing the root cause of your dog’s zoomies and ensuring their safety during episodes, you can help them release their energy in a healthy and beneficial way.

However, in general, zooming is a great way for dogs to express emotions – good or bad – and you shouldn’t stop them from zooming around if there are no life-threatening situations or dangerous obstacles or if it’s not too excessive.

Tip for dessert: If the zooming occurs when you return home, keep a calming chew toy or a snack by the door. 

Check out also our “Bite off: How to pick the best chews for your dog” article.