Your Dog sees you holding their leash and runs excitedly in circles. You struggle putting on their collar while they helpfully hold the leash in their mouth. Then, as you walk outside, your Dog exhibits even more contagious happy energy – walking, bouncing, and sometimes wiggling.
This is known as “the zoomies.” But is zoomie behavior cause for concern?
ARE ZOOMIES BAD?
Zoomies are largely harmless. The worst thing that can happen if a Dog is so excited is that they might bump into something that can cause real harm. A zooming Dog needs a safe environment to zoom in.
The most unexpected things cause zoomie behavior. For example, during baths, they’re in sensory overload, starting with the water, the shampoo, being restrained during bathtime, and getting towel-dried.
All these ramp up a Dog’s stress levels, and once free, their brain tells their body to zoom around the house, shake off the water, and rub the rest of the water on the carpet.
The happiness of zoomies is contagious. But once in a while, zoomies are a Dog’s version of a human having a panic attack.
Some changes may signal a more serious case of zoomies than usual. For example, if your Dog’s pupils dilate, their body trembles, they pant excessively, or they crash into objects while running, this can be harmful. Possibly, this is why another nickname for zoomies is “demon possession.”
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ZOOMIES?
The medical term for zoomies is Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), according to Cornell’s University College of Veterinary Medicine. So, when FRAPs happen, what do you do?
CHECK THEIR BODY LANGUAGE
If you suspect a bad zoomie is happening, look at your Dog’s tail. If it’s tucked between the legs while zooming, that’s a sign. Even if they’ve already stopped running around, for as long as their tail is still tucked under, it means they’re still in the bad zoomie zone.
LET THEM PLAY
If your Dog has been home alone all day, stress accumulates, and they need to release the pent-up energy by zooming around the house. The energy builds up because they have nothing to do.
It would then help if you gave them stimulating toys, such as a KONG, puzzle feeders, a snuffle mat, or treat-dispensing balls to keep them busy while you’re gone.
TAKE THEM ON REGULAR WALKS
More likely, an old Dog might experience “midnight madness”, zooming all around the house during the night. This can be remedied by taking the Dog for longer walks, or giving them more exercise that’s specific to their breed.
WHAT TRIGGERS BAD ZOOMIES?
What makes a Dog at risk for an unfortunate zoomie?
AGE
Although Dogs of all ages can have them, younger puppies are most prone to zoomies.
PLAY
Sometimes, what seems to a human as a nice form of play may be a zoomie trigger for your Dog. The more you play that way, the more they go into crazy mode.
NOISE
Another trigger is very loud sounds, such as yelling, fireworks, and thunderstorms.
PAIN
Sudden injury can scare your Dog, especially if they’re being chased or feel cornered.
VET VISITS
Dogs also get stressed when visiting the vet. They fear that they may get an injection or might have to stay there.
MEALS
At home, they’re also stressed before and after meals, and before bedtime
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT A VET?
There are some things Dogs do that may imply that they’re on the brink of madness, such as a crazy or wild look in their eyes, or a look of terror in their face. This means that your Dog’s nervous system is in overdrive. They’re having a panic zoom (a Dog’s equivalent of a human panic attack).
Should you ever see a vet about your Dog’s zoomies? Sometimes, yes, like if your Dog is in an everlasting zoomie overdrive. Then, you’ll need to see a veterinary behaviorist or an animal behaviorist.
You should also consult the vet if your Dog’s behavior has suddenly changed and poses a risk to themselves or others. If your older Dog gets midnight madness, they should see a doctor for your sake as much as theirs. You need to sleep at night, and they need to be checked for any cognitive dysfunction or other issues.
