Our furry four-legged companions bring plenty of joy to our lives through their unique personalities, kisses and snuggles, and quirky behaviour. One of those easily identifiable behaviours, commonly referred to as ‘the zoomies’, is a particular favourite to watch.
For those of you who don’t know, the zoomies is when a dog demonstrates bursts of erratic, whimsical energy: zipping around in circles, seemingly as fast as they possibly can. The zoomies is a cute, funny, and playful behaviour that can happen day or night, inside or outside.
Many dogs experience the zoomies during specific times, such as right after a bath, after eating a meal, or even after being released from their crate at the end of the work day.
But what causes a dog to burst into the zoomies? Is it just for fun, or is there a reason for it?
According to experts, zoomies really do serve a purpose. Also known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAP), these explosive bursts of energy are essential for your dog’s physical and mental health.
Dogs are typically very good self-regulators (however maybe not when it comes to the food dish!) Domesticated dogs don’t usually get as much exercise as their primitive ancestors would have, so excess energy is stored in the body for later use. Experts believe that over time, this energy builds up and reaches a point of fullness causing a release of that energy, and that’s how we get the zoomies.
All dogs have their own unique triggers for the zoomies, and some dogs don’t need a trigger at all. Sometimes, just being let outside for a bathroom break can be enough.
This is a completely natural behaviour for our canine companions. However, if your dog experiences zoomies excessively, such as every day, then this could be an indicator that your dog is not receiving enough exercise and stimulation throughout their day. Prolonged lack of exercise can lead to behavioural problems, so make a plan to increase your dog’s activity levels if this is the case.
Get to know your dog’s zoomies triggers, and make sure they have a safe space to release their excess energy. For example, it may not be safe for a soaking wet dog to have zoomies on a tile floor right after a bath, where there is an increased risk of injury from slipping.
Keep outdoor spaces free from debris and sharp objects, as well. Dogs are more likely to injure themselves during these bursts of energy, when their focus is set on max speed.
Younger dogs are more prone to frequent zoomies. This is because they naturally have excess energy, are more playful, and are less likely to experience things like joint and mobility issues. As dogs age, they will generally experience the zoomies less frequently.
Dogs are unequivocally the greatest companion animal in the world. From their distinct mannerisms, to their unparalleled love and devotion, it is true what they say: no matter your status, having a dog indeed makes you rich.
Brandon Forder, known as The Pet Expert, is vice-president of Canadian Pet Connection, an industry leader in healthy pet lifestyles. Brandon is certified in pet nutrition, and has more than twenty-five years’ experience specializing in pet health and behaviour. He has written hundreds of informative pet-related articles for newspapers, magazines, radio, and the popular Ask the Pet Expert Blog. Brandon is highly skilled in pet problem solving, and enjoys teaching others about smart and responsible pet ownership. To learn more, visit www.CanadianPetConnection.ca.
