Does your dog sometimes suddenly start sprinting around the yard or house, with what seems uncontainable energy? They are having what is known as the zoomies. Usually, dog zoomies are an expression of joy, though in some cases they can also indicate a situation occurred which brought your dog stress, frustration, or fear. In this week’s article, we will dive deeper into the dog behaviour known as Zoomies.
What are Zoomies?
Zoomies, officially known as frenetic random activity periods, are moments when dogs experience short bursts of energy where they will, often in a hunched position, run large circles around the house or yard. They may also include play blows, spins, or sudden direction changes. While zoomies are more common in puppies due to their endless energy, dogs of all ages can experience them, and are a natural part of canine behaviour.
Why do Dogs get the Zoomies?
The exact reason behind dog zoomies remains unclear, but it’s believed they provide a quick outlet for releasing excess energy, excitement, stress, or nervous tension.
While in most cases zoomies are an expression of joy, in some cases they can be used to release negative tension. So when your dog has the zoomies, consider the situation and body language of your dog, prior to the zoomies happening. Some common events and emotions that will result in zoomies are:
Excitement
When dogs experience moments of high arousal, this can trigger zoomies. This can be moments like when you arrive home after a day of being away, or when you try to leash your dog for their walk. Zoomies will release the happy energy before they can calm and settle down.
Playfulness
Sometimes a play session can result in a zoom session, especially when your dog is having loads of fun. A common example is when they playfully grab something, and try to get away from you.
Bath time and grooming
Many dogs have zoomies after a bath, and this is often linked to the sensations and emotions they go through during the bathing process. Standing still while being covered with soap and rinsed with water requires patience, which can be challenging for many dogs. The feeling of water soaking their fur, the texture and scent of the shampoo on their skin, and the scrubbing motion to remove dirt can create a mix of excitement, discomfort, and sometimes even stress. Additionally, the damp and unfamiliar scent of wet fur contributes to their urge to zoom while they shake off excess moisture and regain their natural smell.
Zoomies can also occur after other forms of grooming, such as nail clipping or brushing, especially if the process was stressful or required them to remain still for an extended period.
Tension
Any situation that creates feelings of tension within your dog, can result in zoomies. These are feelings such as stress, overtired ness, or frustration. This type of Zoomies is often seen in overstimulated pups, who are so worked up, that they can’t settle down anymore. On the other end, zoomies due to a lack of exercise can also happen. When dogs have too much energy and are offered no outlet, they can display more zoomies. Often accompanied by other undesirable behaviours.
How to keep everyone safe during the zoomies?
While zoomies are usually a sign of joy and excitement, they can sometimes lead to accidents, especially since dogs, and in particular puppies, aren’t always mindful of their surroundings. Slippery floors increase the risk of slipping and potential injuries, while furniture and fragile decorations, such as vases or flyscreens can easily be knocked over in the chaos or ran through. Additionally, dogs racing around at high speeds may accidentally bump into or even knock over small children or elderly bystanders To keep both your pup and household safe, it’s best to ensure they have a clear, open space to zoom around freely without any risk of injury.
Conclusion
Zoomies are a natural and often joyful part of a dog’s behavior, providing an outlet for build up tension such as when excited, stressed, or happiness. While your dog has zoomies, ensure a safe environment to prevent accidents and injuries.
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