Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?
If you’ve ever bathed a dog chances are you’ve seen the zoomies. It’s that frantic, running around the house at full speed craziness that happens as soon as dogs get out of the bath.
Have you ever looked at your dog as he’s running around like a mad man and wondered what the heck is going on? Today we’ll take a quick look at why dogs get the zoomies.
Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?
So what exactly are the zoomies? Zoomies are a sudden release of energy in dogs. You’ve probably seen it after your dog gets out the bath — that frantic yet euphoric looking dash they make around the house.
It’s a common behavior (especially in young dogs), and it’s simply a way for dogs to release pent up energy. Any dog can get the zoomies, but they’re most commonly seen after a bath, during play, and late at night.
The technical name for that sudden burst of energy is frenetic random activity periods (FRAPS), but many refer to them as the rips or zoomies. If you’ve ever seen your dog run around the house after a bath like a maniac that’s the zoomies. If your young puppy gets sudden bursts of energy late at night that’s the zoomies.
Zoomies are Common in Young Dogs
If you have a young dog the zoomies are quite common and generally nothing to be concerned about. Zoomies are a quick way for our dogs to release extra energy. And although they’re more common in young dogs, older dogs get them too – especially when engaging in play. As dogs mature those sudden bursts of energy tend to happen less frequently.
While these outbursts are common they might indicate that you dog isn’t getting enough exercise. When Laika was an adolescent she’d often get them before bed, and I took it as a sign that I hadn’t quite exercised her enough that day.
If your dog gets the zoomies often try giving them some more mental & physical exercise. Just adding a few quick mentally stimulating games to their daily routine can have a huge impact. For my dog, a 5 minute nose work game such as ‘find the treats’ is just as tiring as a 30 minute walk.
Many Dogs Get the Zoomies After a Bath
Does your dog go crazy after a bath? If so you’re certainly not alone. Something mysterious happens to dogs after a bath – they go nuts. Running around the house, jumping up on furniture, zipping from room to room. Most dog owners are quite familiar with the post bath zoomies.
Experts believe dogs get the zoomies after a bath because it’s a quick way to get rid of nervous energy that’s been pent up. Zoomies after a bath is their way of showing relief that bath time is finally over.
Dogs Often Get the Zoomies When Playing
Dogs can get pretty excited when playing, and it’s common for them to get the zoomies. (excited dogs also have a tendency to hump due to over stimulation)
When Laika plays with other dogs she almost always gets the zoomies – running around the yard, tongue out, looking happy as can be. There’s something endearing about a dog’s willingness to get silly, and it’s something I never tire of seeing.
Should I Be Worried About Zoomies?
Generally speaking, dog zoomies aren’t anything to worry about. It’s a normal dog behavior designed to burn off extra energy, and one that almost all dogs exhibit from time to time.
How to Reduce Your Dog’s Zoomies
Some dogs (especially young working type dogs) have a ton of excess energy to burn, and if they’re not kept physically and mentally stimulated they can end up with some destructive behaviors, including zoomies.
In those cases it’s always a good idea to add some more mental stimulation and physical activities into your dog’s daily routine. Something as simple as a quick 5 minute game of tug, some nose work games, or using a flirt pole out in the yard can help them burn off all that extra energy.
Does Your Dog Get the Zoomies?
Laika still gets the zoomies at night from time to time, and I usually just attribute it to a “not enough exercise” sort of day. Luckily our home layout is pretty open so she doesn’t create too much chaos.
Does your dog get the zoomies? What sorts of things trigger zoomies in your dog? Does your dog run around like crazy after a bath?
Oh yes, we have a lot of zoomies around here! Lots of fun!
We have a young puppy! He definitely has the zoomies after his bath and really anytime he gets wet!!
Sometimes at night he runs around the tables as fast as he can; sometimes sliding into them. I do get worried at times! He is now 14 weeks old and still has them!!
Luke gets the zoomies, but it’s usually just when we’re out in the yard playing. I think he’s just burning off excess energy, and I often encourage him to do it! If I look straight at him, and crouch down a little, that will often set him off. But also, oddly, he tends to get them right before or after he poops!
Brody 4MONTHS OLD pug! Gets zoomies late afternoon pulls are socks off and pants!! Soo! Funny but WILD!!
We recently adopted an 8 month old poodle mix but the hot Miami sun is a bit much from Micki during the day we walk him and play games during the day but July is just to hot to stay out too long. And we have to keep him off the sizzling pavement but he still goes bonkers at night we play along and throw toys but He does tend to get a little nippy. Shutting the lights off after a good play session helps.
We adopted Ryker and he gets the zommies when he is over tried and wants to relax that’s what I thought now I am reading not enough but this is after a 2 mile walk really help because I don’t know what else to do
My 9 week old Golden Retriever gets them. I thought it was due to lack of exercise but she gets them around 10pm after we literally just spent 20-40 minutes playing outside. Maybe the play time gets her more excited rather than tired out.
She’s calm throughout the day then goes crazy as soon as we come back inside and get ready to turn in for the night. Her zoomies last about 10-20 mins then she knocks out as soon as it’s over.
I’m a new dog owner and never heard of such a phenomenon so the first night it happened, it scared the daylights out of me. Then I was worried it was the kibble I was feeding her.
Just curious how many of you out there that have dogs that get zoomies use methamphetamines..? Actual real life Poll.
My 5 year old APBT 100lbs gets zoomies often late at night. It’s hilarious to see 100 pound dog go crazy like that. I laugh so hard at him.
My 4 year old staffy cross loves Zoomies , usually when out on a walk , we never tire of watching her having so much fun