What are zoomies?
Zoomies are periods of frantic activity in dogs, characterized by seemingly unprovoked bursts of energy and racing around. They are often seen when a dog first wakes up from a nap or gets let out of their crate. During zoomies, dogs will race around at top speed, jump on furniture, spin in circles, and generally act very energetic and hyperactive. Zoomies usually last for a few minutes before the dog calms back down. They are completely normal canine behavior.
Why do dogs get the zoomies?
There are a few theories as to why dogs experience these hyperactive bursts of energy:
- Pent up energy – If a dog has been cooped up for a while, zoomies are a way to release all that pent up energy in a flurry of activity.
- Excitement – Some dogs get the zoomies when they are really excited, like when their owner comes home. It’s just an expression of joy and enthusiasm.
- Stress relief – Running around rapidly may be a way for some dogs to relieve anxiety or stress.
- Feeling good – Zoomies can also just happen when a dog is feeling happy and energetic, such as after a good meal or when their needs have been met.
Essentially, zoomies are a way for dogs to let out overwhelming emotions and energy. It’s completely normal and just part of being a dog.
When do most dogs get zoomies?
Zoomies most often happen:
- In the morning after waking up from a long sleep
- After being confined for a while, like in a crate
- Right after a bath or grooming session
- When the dog is really excited, like when the owner gets home
- After playing with a favorite toy or playing with other dogs
- After meals or snacks
So zoomies tend to happen when a dog has a lot of pent up physical or mental energy. The times when dogs are likely to have the most excess energy are first thing in the morning, after being cooped up, or when they are excited, so zoomies often happen during those times.
At what ages do dogs get the zoomies?
Zoomies are most common in:
- Puppies – Young dogs under 1 year old have lots of energy and less self-control, so zoomies are very common.
- Adolescents – Dogs around 1-2 years old are still very energetic and excitable, prime age for enthusiastic zoomies.
- Adults – Mature adult dogs can still get zoomies too, though less frequently than young dogs. Usually happens first thing in the morning.
- Seniors – Senior dogs generally have less energy for prolonged zoomies, but may still have occasional bursts.
So while zoomies can happen at any age, they tend to be most common in young, energetic puppies and adolescent dogs. Mature adult dogs grow out of the frequent zooming but may still have them now and then. Senior dogs tend to outgrow zoomies except for rare occasions.
Are zoomies bad for my dog?
For most healthy dogs, zoomies are completely harmless. Racing around, jumping on things, and spinning in circles may look wild, but it’s just a dog’s natural way of releasing pent up energy and emotion. In fact, zoomies can be beneficial:
- Gives mental stimulation
- Provides physical exercise
- Relieves stress and anxiety
- Expresses joy and enthusiasm
- Strengthens bones and muscles
However, there are some risks to be aware of:
- Risk of injury – Uncontrolled jumping could lead to injured joints or ligaments, especially on slippery floors. Dogs may also run into objects and hurt themselves.
- Destruction – Some dogs may zoom into objects and break things.
- Annoyance – Zoomies might annoy some owners or scare guests who aren’t familiar with the behavior.
So for most dogs, zoomies are perfectly healthy but should be managed properly to minimize risks. Dogs prone to joint issues or with existing injuries should avoid zoomies.
How can I control my dog’s zoomies?
If your dog’s zoomies get out of hand, there are some things you can do to control the behavior:
- Make sure your dog gets plenty of regular exercise – dogs won’t get as hyper if their needs are met.
- Provide mental stimulation through walks, training, toys.
- Create a safe open space for zoomies, like a fenced yard.
- Manage excitement levels when guests arrive.
- Keep nails trimmed to reduce scratching while zooming.
- Teach your dog the “settle” command for calming down.
- Redirect zoomies into a training session – have your dog do basic commands and reward with treats until they settle.
While zoomies are normal, you can minimize them through exercise, training, and creating safe outlets for the behavior. Never punish your dog for getting the zoomies – that will just make them anxious or frustrated.
Should I stop my dog’s zoomies?
In most cases, zoomies do not need to be stopped completely. Suppressing natural dog behaviors like zoomies can cause stress. The goal should be to control zoomies, not stop them. Steps include:
- Allow zoomies in some situations, like outside, to express natural behaviors.
- Manage indoor zoomies by redirecting to toys or training.
- Make sure the dog gets adequate exercise to meet needs.
- Provide a safe, open area for zooming.
- Supervise to minimize injury risks.
- Keep excited greetings low-key.
- Use baby gates to block access if needed.
- Train a “settle” cue.
The only times zoomies need to be avoided are if they pose a risk of injury or destruction. For example, dogs with hip dysplasia should avoid high-impact play.
Are zoomies linked to separation anxiety?
Zoomies don’t necessarily mean a dog has separation anxiety. They are a normal behavior in many content, well-adjusted dogs. However, in some cases, zoomies may be linked to:
- Separation anxiety – Some dogs exhibit zoomies when owners return after being gone, potentially out of excitement from separation.
- Confinement anxiety – Being crated or confined can cause anxiety that leads to zoomies when released.
- Lack of exercise – Dogs left alone all day may zoom when owners get home due to pent up energy.
So in moderation, zoomies are not problematic. But frequent, intense zooming associated with being left alone all day could be indicative of separation or confinement anxiety in some cases. Other anxiety symptoms like destruction and excessive vocalization should be watched for.
How can I tell if zoomies are related to anxiety?
Signs zoomies may be linked to anxiety include:
- Happen every time you come home after an absence
- Are very intense, frantic, repetitive
- Lead to destruction like chewing objects
- Are followed by other anxious behaviors like panting, whining
- Only happen when dog is left alone, not at other times
Healthy zoomies are more random and intermittent. Anxiety-related zoomies almost always occur when the owner returns after being gone. They also tend to be extreme and obsessive. Other symptoms like barking, accidents, and destruction point to anxiety as well.
What if my dog gets the zoomies at the dog park?
Zoomies at a dog park are not uncommon since dogs get excited playing and have pent up energy after being cooped up. However, there are some risks:
- May annoy or scare other dogs, leading to fights
- Could knock over a child or elderly human
- Hard to control in an open setting
- High risk of injury if dog zooms at top speed around other dogs
If your dog tends to zoom at the park:
- Walk them before going to the park to drain energy
- Keep zoomies contained to a tennis court or other gated area
- Use a “settle” command to calm your dog down
- Have your dog take a break from play if zoomies start up
- Keep leash handy to restrain zooming behavior if needed
It’s best to intervene quickly at the first signs of zoomies at a park before your dog gets overly riled up. Some supervised zooming can be allowed in a safe area. But then have your dog take a time-out from play.
Should I take my dog to the vet for zoomies?
For most healthy dogs, vet visits are not necessary for normal zoomies. However, you should consult a vet if:
- Zoomies happen multiple times per day, every day
- Your dog seems unable to settle down after zooming
- Zoomies last over 10 minutes and seem frantic
- Your dog pants, drools or has trouble breathing after zooming
- Zoomies started suddenly in an adult dog
- Your dog cries in pain or limps after zoomies
- You suspect zoomies may indicate anxiety or another condition
Frequent, lengthy, obsessive, and post-zoomie pain could indicate an underlying medical condition requiring veterinary assessment. But occasional brief zooming is normal in healthy dogs.
Conclusion
Zoomies are a common and natural canine behavior, but need some management to keep dogs safe. Be sure to meet your dog’s needs with adequate exercise and stimulation. Provide appropriate outlets for zoomies but also training for settling down. Address any potential anxiety behind the behavior. Brief zooming is harmless but excessive and obsessive episodes may need veterinary evaluation. With proper handling, zoomies can be allowed while minimizing risks so your dog can enjoy this innate behavior.