Many owners will have seen their dogs engage in that 'random runaround' known as 'zoomies'. Although more common in younger dogs and puppies, any dog can display that random burst of energy that we affectionately title the zoomies.
A burst of energy
A zoomie is technically referred to as a FRAP (Frenetic Random Activity Period) and there are a few reasons that our canine companions FRAP.
When do dogs get the zoomies?
In many dogs zoomies occur in the early morning and early evening. In more playful puppies and younger dogs they are more common simply because young dogs have a lot of energy.
In older dogs it may be noticed that zoomies often follow a period of restraint such as after a bath or when a dog has been groomed. The frenetic zooming around is simply then a release of pent up energy following the stress (to some dogs) of having to stay still for a period.
Dogs can also exhibit the zoomies after eating, long periods of sleep, relieving themselves or even when they are tired or frustrated. In these cases it's possible to associate certain activities that precede the frenetic activity in your own dog.
What should you do?
If zoomies occur at home in a more confined area and you're wondering what to do about these crazy little bursts of canine energy then the two best options are:
- If you can distract your dog by engaging in an activity that they enjoy, some will be happy to divert their attention to that and burn off their energy in a less frenetic fashion.
- Another option if you have a secure garden area is to simply open the door and let them have their little burst.
An important thing to remember is that zoomies are a naturally occurring part of development or behaviour in many dogs. Generally speaking if your dog is otherwise healthy and is not going to damage themselves or your environment then zoomies are a harmless way of a dog just being a dog.
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