Pets of Groupsoft

The Bark Side

Has your dog gotten a case of the zoomies? Your dog may be standing calmly next to you one minute, but the next, they may be rushing erratically back and forth at top speed. They might chase their tails, jump over obstacles, run into furniture, or go in circles while yet appearing to be having the time of their lives. 

Zoomies actually have a formal name Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAP). So why do zoomies happen and could they be dangerous?

Many dogs get zoomies when they jump out of the tub, stay indoors for too long, or when they are in a happy mood and want to play. But occasionally, they occur when a dog is a little confused or a little stressed and has to burn off extra nervous energy.

Watching our pups get the zoomies is doggone fun! It is a typical canine behavior seen more frequently in pups or younger canines though, many dogs continue to have zoomies throughout their lives. If your dog frequently experiences zoomies, you may want to think about how much daily exercise your pet gets. If you believe stress is the cause of your dog’s zooming, take steps to remove the stressor.

However, as long as they are done in a safe space, zoomies are not a risky pastime. Indoors, a dog might trip over a rug, furniture or steps, or run into children or the elderly. An outdoor open space like a park, away from busy roads, is preferable. Avoid chasing your dog if they get a zoomie while running loose in an open area, as it may encourage them to keep speeding. Keep your cool and call them (hopefully, you are consistently training them to come). Give them a toy or reward to keep them when they return :).

The next time your dog has an outburst of crazy energy, the zoomies, appreciate and enjoy it, your dog is having a healthy and exhilarating moment.