Most dog owners are familiar with ‘zoomies’. These sudden bursts of energy are common, especially among puppies and the young at heart. Whether it’s spinning around like a tornado, doing laps of the coffee table, or running around the backyard, zoomies are all about movement and lots of it. Have you ever wondered what this behaviour is and what it means?
Allow us to introduce you to the fascinating world of ‘dog zoomies’. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this entertaining and sometimes puzzling phenomenon. Let’s dive in!
What are zoomies anyway?
Despite their erratic nature, zoomies are a widely known phenomenon. Known officially as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs), zoomies are unmistakable bursts of energy that take many forms. While they only occur from time to time and typically involve repetition, different dogs engage with a variety of different movements.
For example, some dogs like running around in circles, others will spin around on the spot, and some will do laps of your entire property. Whatever form they take, these episodes usually occur when dogs have excess energy that needs to be released. Luckily, dog zoomies are usually over as quickly as they begin. Once they’re finished, your dog will probably plonk themselves down for a well-deserved rest.
Why dogs do zoomies?
If you want to learn why dogs do zoomies, it’s important to understand how they’re triggered. Zoomies can be set off by a range of different factors, such as specific times of the day, interactions with different people or doggo friends, or particularly stressful situations. Other triggers may be linked with specific activities, such as bath time, visiting the vet, or even doing a poo. While zoomies are most commonly seen in puppies and younger dogs, dogs of all ages and breeds can experience them.
While owners and scientists don’t always understand why dogs do zoomies, they’re normally the result of a certain event or specific stimuli. More often than not, zoomies mean your dog is happy and wants to be interactive. While there’s obviously nothing wrong with that, it’s not always so clear-cut. For example, zoomies can be an indicator of stress, an energetic demand for attention, or a sign of relief from having just gone to the toilet.
Why do dogs do zoomies after pooing?
Zoomies can indicate many things, from excitement to stress and arousal. Often, however, they take place immediately after your dog goes to the toilet. There are many possible explanations for this behaviour, from the physical relief of pent-up pressure to feelings of lightness or even pleasure. It may even be a sense of ancestral relief. For example, wild dogs often get sick or die when they fail to digest and eliminate their prey. Another explanation is that dogs possibly run around to get rid of residue from their backsides. To gain a clear understanding of zoomies and what they represent, you need to understand them in relation to your particular dog.
We know that when your furry friend gets hit by those ‘zoomies’, it’s like a whirlwind of energy taking over. But fret not, because we’ve got a treat (literally) for your zoomie-loving doggos! At Gully Road, we’re all about celebrating those bursts of energy and ensuring your dog stays healthy and happy. That’s why we’ve curated a range of paw-some treats that not only satisfy their taste buds but also provide the fuel they need for those exhilarating zoomie sessions. Ready to discover treats that match your pup’s spirited energy? Let’s dive in and explore our collection!
Are there any risks associated with zoomies?
Zoomie behaviour itself is not harmful — in fact, it can be a lot of fun. If your house or backyard is well-equipped to handle your pet, which it should be anyway, zoomies do not necessarily represent a problem. Saying that, however, there are lots of situations where zoomies can be a real risk. The environment where they occur can pose risks, and each dog owner needs to take responsibility. For instance, constantly skidding on laminate or hardwood floors is not good for your dog’s joints, and running into furniture can easily lead to accidents.
The potential risks linked with zoomies affect both pets and their owners, so it’s important to be careful. Out-of-control dogs can easily knock over young children or elderly people while doing zoomies, and large dogs are particularly worrisome for obvious reasons. While zoomies can be lots of fun, dogs aren’t usually acting rationally while they’re in full motion. Even if your dog is usually well-behaved, consideration often flies out the window during zoomie time.
There are lots of ways to deal with zoomies, depending on the dog, the environment, and the people and pets present. While it’s normally fine to let your dog go, sometimes there’s a clear and obvious risk that needs to be dealt with. For example, if your elderly grandmother is present or you’re camping on the edge of a cliff, sitting back and laughing at your doggo’s antics is probably not the best idea.
In these situations, it’s normally effective to redirect your dog to a safer location, such as the backyard or a carpeted area of your home. Danger can also arise if your dog does zoomies in public and another dog mistakes the frenetic activity for aggression. In this situation, it’s important not to panic or run after your dog, as this will add to the confusion and stress. While zoomies are completely safe the vast majority of the time, understanding these dynamics can help you to create a safe and enjoyable environment for you and your furry friend.
Is there a link between zoomies and exercise?
When you see your dog sprinting around the yard over and over again, it’s easy to think they’re not getting enough exercise. This is often a simplistic assessment, however, as most zoomie episodes indicate something much more primal. While regular zoomies can highlight a frustrated and under-exercised doggo, most of the time, it’s about releasing built-up tension caused by stressful or exciting events.
Some dogs even engage in zoomies immediately after coming home from a walk, generally because they’re happy and feeling fulfilled. Zoomies also seem to follow biological rhythms, with most dogs experiencing these erratic bursts of energy in the morning and evening. While they might be telling you it’s time for a walk after you get home from work, it could also be a deep ancestral memory linked with long-lost hunting cycles.
The best way to understand your dog’s zoomies is to pay attention to when they happen. Whether it’s after a meal, before a bath, or when someone exciting comes over to visit, understanding this unique behaviour is a great way to learn more about your best friend.
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