Why Do Dogs Get The Zoomies? And How To Manage Them?
Extra energy? Stress? Boredom? Get the answers on why dogs get the zoomies and how you can manage them like a pro.
It’s a scene every dog parent knows well. One minute, your dog is calmly walking in the door after a long stroll. The next, they’ve transformed into a four-legged rocket, tearing around the living room. This hilarious and sudden burst of energy is known affectionately as “the zoomies” – or more formally by vets as a Frenetic Random Activity Period (FRAP). But what exactly causes this chaotic behavior? Let’s answer the question, why do dogs get the zoomies, how you can manage it, and where a smart dog tracker with Activity Tracking can help.
Key Takeaways
Zoomies are normal
These sudden, frantic bursts of energy are a natural behavior for dogs. It’s how they release pent-up excitement, stress, or excess energy.
Safety first
While zoomies are healthy, it’s important to make sure your dog is in a safe space to prevent them from getting hurt or damaging property.
Management is key
Instead of trying to stop the behavior, focus on redirecting their energy. Ensure they get enough physical and mental stimulation every day.
The Tractive smart dog tracker offers peace of mind
Features like real-time GPS tracking, escape alerts, and Health Monitoring can help you manage your dog’s activity and provide an extra layer of safety.
Always know your buddy is healthy & safe
Read moreWhy do dogs get the zoomies?
Zoomies are a way for dogs to release pent-up energy, excitement, or even stress. They can happen to any dog, regardless of age or breed. Think of it as your dog’s way of hitting the reset button. It’s a short, intense burst of activity that helps them let off steam and regain a sense of balance. The bursts are usually short-lived, lasting only a few minutes. They end as quickly as they begin, often with your dog collapsing in a happy, panting heap.
The triggers for zoomies can vary widely. Here are some of the most common reasons you might see your dog engaging in this frantic activity:
- Age and excess energy
Especially in puppies and younger dogs who naturally have a lot of energy to burn. If your dog hasn’t had enough physical and mental stimulation during the day, they may use a FRAP as a last-ditch effort to burn off that extra energy. - Excitement or overstimulation
A new person visiting, a new toy, or even seeing another dog can be enough to trigger an overexcited run. - Routine-based excitement
Many dogs get the zoomies as part of a predictable daily routine. For example, the moment you get home from work or after they’ve been in their crate for a while can trigger a burst of joyful energy as they anticipate a new activity or simply celebrate your return. - Stress relief
Like after a visit to the vet, a bath, or a grooming session. The dog is so relieved the stressful event is over that they can’t help but celebrate with a frantic race around the house.
💡A smart dog tracker with real-time GPS tracking and Health Monitoring can be an important emergency measure if your dog runs off while in the middle of zoomies. With just a glance at your phone, you’ll be able to follow their every step in real-time – and intercept them in no time.
Why do dogs get the zoomies – after a walk?
If the walk was a slow, leashed amble, it may not have provided the high-intensity exercise your dog truly needs. Once they get home, the release of that physical and mental restraint can trigger a burst of freedom and speed.
Another reason could be overstimulation from the outdoors. A walk is a sensory journey for your dog. All the new smells, sights, and sounds can be incredibly stimulating. This can create a build-up of excitement that they need to release once they are back in the comfort of their own home.
Finally, for some dogs, the zoomies are simply a joyful way of celebrating being back in their safe, familiar environment after an adventure outside.
Read More: How Much Exercise Does A Dog Need?
Should you encourage zoomies?
For the most part, zoomies are a healthy and normal behavior. You should allow your dog to enjoy these moments as long as they are in a safe environment. Think of them as a healthy outlet for energy.
However, while you shouldn’t actively discourage them, it’s crucial to be a responsible dog parent. Always make sure your pup is not at risk of hurting themselves or others. Chasing or trying to grab them will likely only make them think it’s a game and intensify the behavior. Instead, the best approach is to keep their “zooming” space safe. Keep it clear of hazards like furniture with sharp corners, stairs, and fragile items.
If your dog gets the zoomies in an inappropriate place or at an inappropriate time, the best thing to do is to redirect their energy. Use a calm voice to get their attention, offer a favorite toy, or start a short, low-intensity training session. This helps them transition from frantic energy to a more focused state without squashing their natural instincts.
How can I manage my dog’s zoomies?
- Provide a safe space
This means a fenced-in yard, a large, open room, or an empty field. Clear the area of any breakable objects, loose cords, or furniture with sharp edges. This can help to prevent injury to your dog or damage to your property. - Don’t skip the workout
This could mean longer or more vigorous walks, a game of fetch in the park, or puzzle toys and training sessions. A tired dog is often a happy dog with less of a need for a frenetic run. - Be a calm presence
Dogs are very good at reading our energy. Stay calm, let them work it out of their system, and avoid chasing them or otherwise engaging in the behavior. - Redirect their attention after the fact
Wait for the burst of energy to naturally subside. Once they have slowed down, you can gently redirect their attention with a calming activity. Offer a favorite chew toy, start a brief, low-key training session, or give them a gentle massage. - Keep your dog leashed
Ideally with a long leash, so you can keep them near. (And away from any passersby they might end up knocking over.) - Plan ahead for your dog escaping
A sudden burst of energy could lead your dog to zip off into the distance, faster than your eye can follow. Where they’re always at risk for getting lost or injured. Make sure your dog has a well-fitting collar with an ID tag and your contact details. Ideally, they’re also microchipped.
How a Tractive smart dog tracker can help
While zoomies are usually harmless, a sudden and frequent change in this behavior could be a subtle sign of an underlying health issue. This is where a tool like a Tractive smart dog tracker with real-time GPS tracking Health Monitoring can make a significant difference.
With its Activity Tracking feature, the Tractive tracker allows you to monitor your dog’s daily activity. So you now have a clear picture of whether they are getting enough exercise. For example, if you notice an increase in zoomies, you can check the app to see if their activity levels have been lower than usual. This insight helps you adjust their routine to prevent future bursts of pent-up energy.
The Health Monitoring aspect of the tracker goes even further. It can alert you to unusual changes in your dog’s activity and sleep patterns. A sudden increase in zoomies might be a sign of a significant change in their energy needs. Your tracker can even monitor your dog’s heart and respiratory rates, giving you early warnings about potential stress, illness, or pain. So you now have the data you need to have a more productive conversation with your vet.
Beyond health monitoring, the Tractive smart dog tracker also offers peace of mind with real-time GPS tracking. If your dog’s zoomies happen outdoors and they get a little too carried away, you can use the app to see their exact location in real-time. You can also set up virtual fences, or “safe zones,” and receive an escape alert on your phone if your dog ever leaves this designated area. This is especially useful if your dog’s zoomies are prone to happening in an insecure space. So you now have an extra layer of safety to help you manage their frantic bursts of fun.
While zoomies are a natural part of being a dog, there are steps you can take to make them safer and less frequent. The goal isn’t to stop the behavior entirely, but to manage it so that it happens in a controlled and safe manner.
Keep track of your dog’s daily adventures
Follow every step with unlimited range Live Tracking. Get alerts if they wander too far. Keep them happy & healthy with Activity & Sleep Monitoring. Get Health Alerts if something seems off.
And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.
