Mastering Your Dog's Zoomies: Tips for Managing Excess Energy

Zoomies are a natural part of dog behavior, with some breeds like Labradors and Australian Shepherds being more prone to them due to their high energy levels.

Dogs typically experience zoomies between 6-12 months old, as their brain development allows for increased impulse control and they start to conserve excess energy through physical activity. This is a normal phase of canine development.

Some dogs can get so caught up in zoomies that they'll run around nonstop for minutes at a time, burning off steam and getting some much-needed exercise.

Intriguing read: Dog Zoomies after Pooping

Zoomies are a real thing, folks - they even have a scientific name: frenetic random activity periods, or FRAPs.

Dogs exhibit this behavior so commonly that it's become a widely recognized phenomenon among dog owners and enthusiasts. Other names for zoomies include midnight crazies, scrumbling, and frapper fugue.

Cats get the zoomies because they might be trying to escape feelings of discomfort caused by fleas or itchy skin.

Some cats may experience vision or hearing loss as they age, leading them to run around when startled or surprised.

Dogs get the zoomies due to a buildup of excess energy that needs to be released.

Dogs get zoomies due to a health condition causing excessive shedding.

There are specific triggers for dog zoomies that you should be aware of. Common triggers include but may not be limited to: Are There Any Specific Triggers for Dog Zoomies? was mentioned in the article section facts.

Some dogs experience zoomies after a Health Condition Causing Your Dog's Shedding, which is also found in the example article section facts.

Zoomies can be triggered by a variety of factors, but one common cause is that your pet needs to get rid of some energy that she has bottled up.

Additional reading: What Causes Zoomies in Dogs

Cats get zoomies due to various lifestyle factors that can contribute to them happening more frequently.

Fleas and itchy skin can be a major trigger for cat zoomies, causing your cat to run around frantically as they try to escape the discomfort.

An aging cat may lose their eyesight or hearing, leading them to run when startled or surprised by their surroundings.

Zoomies are normal for many animals, including cats, but understanding these triggers can help you better care for your feline friend.

Your dog's age will impact their regularity of zoomies - older dogs are less likely to have sudden bursts of activity than puppies or young adult dogs.

Puppies tend to experience daily or even multiple times a day zoomies, while senior dogs may not be as energetic.

If this caught your attention, see: Dogs Getting Zoomies

Dogs experiencing FRAP will sprint a short distance or even chase their tail.

Their eyes will widen with the sudden burst of energy during a zoomie, and they might even vocalize during this outburst.

They will often tuck their tail and rapidly change directions, making for pretty funny photos and videos of dogs with the zoomies.

The exertion of the experience will cause them to pant, usually just before the excitement wears off after about a minute or so.

As your dog gets older, you can expect their energy levels and behavior to change. An older, senior dog is generally less energetic, making sudden bursts of activity like FRAPs less likely.

Puppies, on the other hand, have boundless energy and are more likely to experience zoomies daily or even multiple times a day! Their super excitability is a normal part of their development.

Some breeds, such as hunting dogs like Jack Russell Terriers and work dogs like Australian Shepherds, have more energy and excitability than others. This means they're more likely to have FRAPs regularly.

In contrast, sleepier breeds like Basset Hounds are less inclined to experience regular zoomies.

Zoomies are a natural result of pent-up energy, so if your dog suddenly starts running around like crazy, don't worry - it's just their way of releasing excess energy.

Some dogs might never display this behavior, which is also not concerning. It's simply one of the quirky dog behaviors that make us love our canines so much.

To ensure safety during a zoomie session, quickly scan the area for potential obstacles and move breakable items out of harm's way.

Excess can be a real problem for cats who don't get enough exercise. Cats are ambush predators and they conserve energy for multiple short bursts when hunting.

As a result, indoor cats may engage in the zoomies as a much-needed energy release if they're not getting enough physical activity. This behavior is more common in younger cats and kittens who have more energy to expend.

Engaging your feline friend with exercise throughout the day can be a lifesaver - it allows them to use that pent-up energy without knocking over vases and turning up rugs. By doing so, you'll also bond with your kitty over playtime and enrichment activities, leading them to have a happier and healthier life.

Even a dog with an appropriate exercise routine might get the zoomies every now and then.

Some dogs might never display this behavior, which is also not concerning. Zoomies are just another one of the quirky dog behaviors that make us love our canines so much.

Having a clear understanding that the zoomies are normal and result from pent-up energy can help you anticipate and prepare for them, making it easier to ensure your furry friend's safety and well-being.

Safety should be your top priority when your dog is experiencing zoomies. The only real risk to the zoomies is that your dog bumps into something that could injure them.

To prevent this, ensure your dog's space is safe and secure at all times. For most dog owners, this means a fenced yard and a dog-proof house with no breakables on low shelves or otherwise fragile items.

Move breakable items out of harm's way before the zoomie session begins. Quickly scan the area for potential obstacles to create a clear space for your pup to zoom around.

If you're worried about your dog being overcome by the zoomies while you're on a walk, be sure they're trained to walk with a properly fitted leash. Make sure you keep a good distance from the road to avoid any risks.

As mentioned earlier, if your dog's bouts of tail-chasing are accompanied by other signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), such as self-mutilation or eating non-food items, you should consult a veterinarian.

Encouraging zoomies can backfire if your dog starts having them at inconvenient times. If you laugh and praise your dog during a FRAP, they'll learn to associate it with attention.

Cats experience zoomies due to excess energy, especially if they don't get enough exercise. They conserve energy for short bursts when hunting, so indoor cats may release pent-up energy through the zoomies.

Engaging your cat in regular playtime can help manage their zoomies at night. Aim for two 15-minute interactive sessions per day with toys that provide mental stimulation and satisfaction.

If you don't exhaust your cat physically but mentally stimulate them instead, they'll be more tired and less likely to have late-night zooms. This means playing games that allow them to stalk and plan, rather than just running around wildly.

Related reading: Puppy Zoomies before Bed

Cats spend 15–20 hours a day resting or sleeping, but they can still have plenty of energy to burn at night.

To manage zoomies, make sure your kitty is getting regular playtime, aiming for two 15-minute interactive sessions per day with feather and string toys or other engaging activities. This will help tire them out and reduce late-night zooms around the house.

If you're worried about your furniture surviving a zoomie onslaught, consider redirecting your pup's energy into something productive like fetch toys, puzzle games, or interactive treat-dispensing toys to channel their exuberance.

Training your dog and using commands is a great way to help them maintain their calm demeanor. Consistency is key here.

Maintaining a consistent daily routine can also go a long way in keeping your dog relaxed. This helps them feel secure and know what to expect, which is especially important for dogs that get anxious or overwhelmed easily.

Giving your dog sufficient exercise is another crucial aspect of managing zoomies. Regular physical activity can help burn off excess energy and prevent those sudden bursts of hyperactivity.

Don't encourage the zoomies - it's best to ignore them and let your dog calm down on their own. This can be tough, especially if you're tempted to join in on the fun, but it's essential for maintaining a peaceful household.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

By following these simple tips, you can help your dog stay calm and composed, even on their most energetic days.

Training your dog to respond to commands is a wonderful way to bond and engage their mind and body.

A dog that responds to commands is much safer and can experience a wider array of situations comfortably.

You can't know unless you try – and to try, you have to train your dog to respond to commands.

Cats spend 15–20 hours a day resting or sleeping.

This excessive sleepiness is due to their natural instinct as ambush predators, conserving energy for short bursts of activity when hunting. Without intentional exercise and activity, your kitty will need to find a way to get that extra energy out, resulting in a case of the zoomies.

Cats of all ages can experience zoomies from pent-up energy, but the behavior may be more common in younger cats and kittens who have more energy to expend.

Engage your feline with exercise throughout the day. This allows them to use that pent-up energy without knocking over vases and turning up rugs.