While the technical term is Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPS) (thanks AKC for the scientific jargon), we often call it the zoomies. I got to introduce my husband to the term when we first got our dog. He had no clue what was going on. His first questions were:
- What is going on? Why does our dog suddenly run around like crazy?
- Should I let the dog do zoomies?
- How do I calm the dog in the midst of zoomies?
It’s usually easy to spot it: your dog will run around at full speed bursting with energy for a short period. Our dog usually gets the zoomies when she comes back from a walk.
Does Zoomies mean dogs are happy?
Well, it means they have excess energy to get rid of. Our dog does this whenever she comes back from a walk. The way we see it, she gets anxious outside, especially when she goes for a walk outside of her regular routine so this may be a way to get rid of energy and anxiety. I usually talk to her in a happy voice and she just joins me on the couch or wherever I am and the zoomies stop.
Should I let my dog do Zoomies?
Well, for one, it’s fucking adorable to watch and highly entertaining. This high-energy behavior is normal. I’ve seen it happen to every dog in my family. Nothing bad ever happened. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the zoomies are completely natural and normal. It lasts a few minutes and it’s safe if you let your dog do its thing in a room without anything sharp or dangerous.
Here is how most dog owners proceed
When your dog starts racing around, it’s best just to stop, sit back and laugh your ass off. Zoomies are funny as hell, especially if you manage to play the Benny Hill music as a soundtrack to the moment. Keep your camera ready, so you can post to r/Zoomies, a subreddit dedicated to doggie rampages.
How do you calm a dog in Zoomies?
Zoomies are normal so you don’t have to worry about this. Your only job is to make sure the path is clear. You don’t want your dog to slip and get hurt. Do not chase them or they will think you are playing with them and that keeps them running. If your dog has intense zoomies, we recommend tiring them out with exercise to lessen the occurrence of these moments.
