Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?
Updated: January 03, 2024Pet parents are all familiar with the zoomies! Dog zoomies happen when your furbaby has a sudden surge of energy, is a natural phenomenon.
During this sudden surge of energy, your furbaby runs around, spins in circles, bounces up and sown anything, and parkours! While all these may seem so spontaneous and seemingly rightful to occur on your little furball of sunshine, there is science behind it!
Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?
There can be multiple reasons why your furbaby gets the zoomies. Some of the most common ones are listed and explained below:
Built-in Biological Rhythms
When your dog gets zoomies, it may be because of their instincts and history. According to certified professional dog trainer Irith Trietsch Bloom, your furbaby’s zoomies at certain times of the day may have something to do with their hunting history. Through dog zoomies, they are channeling their inner wild canine (although already domesticated) and expressing their primal urges in a crazy but fun way!
Energy Release
As descendants of wolves, dogs are naturally inclined to endurance and physical activities. This is particularly true in young dogs and dogs with high-energy tasks. If their energy is not released through physical and mental stimulations, it builds up and eventually finds the need to release it—through dog zoomies!
"They are channeling their inner wild canine and expressing their primal urges in a crazy, but fun, way!"
Tension and Dog Anxiety Release
Dogs are susceptible animals and are easily triggered by things new to their environment or by things that make them feel insecure. Most of the time, when dogs feel stressed out or anxious, dog zoomies happen. According to the Florida Veterinary Behavior Service, they do this to release any pent-up tension and dog anxiety.
Happiness Release
It can’t all be just stress and dog anxiety! Dogs get the zoomies, too, because they are happy and celebrating. In some cases, some may have seen their furbabies getting zoomies before eating their meals, after pooping, or whenever they see you preparing their leash. Just a sight of these things prepares them for action. These zoomies are like your dog’s way of letting you know what they are about to do or have done calls for a celebration and that they are extremely happy about it.
Zoomies as a happiness release are caused by a burst of excitement in your furbaby. You might even notice that when your dog gets zoomies around other dogs, it can be contagious and spreads to the other furbabies, too!
Warm-Ups
Dogs who get the zoomies may be warming up for that trip or for that walk and getting themselves ready. They may also be trying to keep themselves warm after doing an activity, particularly swimming or getting home from an outdoor trip.
Managing Dog Zoomies
Sure, dog zoomies are natural and there is absolutely nothing to worry about. However, it is still recommended to make sure that your furbaby remains safe while doing so and help them avoid any potential danger if they get zoomies in an appropriate setting. We have also listed ways you can manage your furbaby’s sudden bursts of energy.
Exercise. Make sure that your furbaby receives the exercise they need to help you control that pent-up energy. Without proper exercise, your furbaby’s energy will be spent on nothing, resulting in a build-up of energy which may lead to very frequent dog zoomies and an array of behavioral problems and health concerns.
Provide mental stimulation. Exercise is not enough. It is also best if you provide your furbaby with mental stimulation that will enrich their minds. When your furbaby is mentally engaged, they will be less likely to go through sudden bursts of energy. It’s a good idea to engage them with brain games and provide them with Gnawtlers®and Forager® Mat.
"When your furbaby is mentally engaged, they will be less likely to go through sudden bursts of energy. It’s a good idea to engage them with brain games and provide them with Gnawtlers®and Forager® Mat."
Gnawtlers® are premium elk and deer antler chews that provide your dog with a one-of-a-kind, nutritious, and safe chewing experience. Jam-packed with calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc, your furbaby will not only have the gnawing time of their lives but will also gain added vitamins and minerals! Forager® Mat, on the other hand, are premium snuffle mats for dogs and are also slow feeders. These slow feeders are perfect to mentally stimulate your furbaby during snack or meal times and encourage their natural foraging dog instincts.
Offer Calming SoftSupps®. Calming supplements, like Calming SoftSupps®, are best to help your dog remain calm and relaxed in situations that might trigger their sudden bursts of energy or their stress and anxiety. These calming supplements are made with branded “super ingredients” like Suntheanine® that help promote a sense of relaxation and mental awareness in dogs. These chews also contain organized hemp extract that promotes calming effects and helps your furbaby cope with external stresses.
Create a safe environment. When your furbaby gets the zoomies, they go into action, running and jumping through anything in their way. It is important to create a safe space where your furbaby can enjoy their zoomies safely. You must remove any potential hazards at home, especially on your dog’s path to prevent any accidents during a zoomies episode.
- Clear your house or backyard of any breakable items that your furbaby may bump into.
- Use pet gates to prevent your furbaby from accessing specific areas in your house that you do not want them to enter.
- Always keep an eye on your dog if they get episodes of zoomies. This is for you to make sure they are safe and to immediately step in as soon as they need help.
Dog zoomies are a normal part of your furbaby’s behavior. It can be their expression of happiness, stress, anxiety, or just a release from pent-up energy. While dogs getting their zoomies are adorable and funny to watch, it is still important to always keep them safe and manage this behavior in a healthy way, for a happier and healthier life.