Ever saw your dog or cat running around the house like there’s a fire under its tail? These are called “zoomies” and could last for up to several minutes.
So why do your animal companions do “zoomies” for no apparent reason?
“They’re just having fun,” said Jose Arce, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, according to Live Science. These bursts of energy is technically called frenetic random activity periods (FRAPS).
Naturally seen in many domesticated and wild animal species, FRAPS are triggered by a few activities. It could be when they are released from the crate, and the dog may zoom around to let out the energy that has built up throughout the day. They can also do zoomies when their hoomans come home from work. FRAPS can also be seen after a bath, possibly to release the nervous energy.
Ferrets and elephants also perform FRAPS. For rabbits, the behavior is commonly called “blinkies,” according to a 2020 study in the Journal of the American Association for Labratory Animal Science.
There are some pet owners who worry that these zoomies is actually an indication of sickness among their animal companions, but Arce assures it’s not.
You might want to read:
– You think your dog understands you? Science says they don’t
– Can science be applied to mythical creatures? The curious case of cryptozoology
– Science says pets can keep you productive and healthy while working from home
