17/11/2025
Why Dogs Get Zoomies: Understanding the Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs)
If your dog has ever suddenly burst into a mad dash around the garden or living room – racing in circles, leaping on and off furniture, skidding round corners – you’ve witnessed the famous “zoomies!"
The technical term for this is Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs) short bursts of frantic, joyful energy where dogs just have to MOVE.
You’ll often see them:
• Running in loops
• Darting back and forth
• Jumping and spinning with obvious excitement
✨ Why do dogs get zoomies?
Zoomies are a completely normal part of canine behaviour, and they’re usually a sign of a happy, healthy dog.
Common triggers include:
• Release of pent-up energy – After a bath, a nap, or being indoors for a while, dogs often “let off steam” with a zoomie session.
• Joy and excitement – Playtime, seeing their favourite people, or going somewhere fun can all spark zoomies.
• Stress relief – After something mildly stressful, a quick blast of running can help your dog shake off nervous energy.
• Developmental stage – Puppies and younger dogs are especially prone to zoomies as they have higher energy levels and are still learning how to regulate their emotions and impulses.
✨️ Should you be worried?
In most cases, no. Zoomies are generally harmless and last only a few minutes. The main thing is to make sure your dog is safe while they’re doing it:
• Give them space so they don’t crash into furniture, fences, or slippery floors.
• Avoid grabbing at their collar mid-zoomie, as this may hurt and startle them.
Tips for managing zoomies
You don’t need to stop zoomies – just make them safe.
• Let your dog zoom in a secure, open area where they can run freely.
• If it happens indoors, clear a bit of space to reduce the risk of bumps and slips.
• After the zoomies, offer calming activities such as:
– Scent work games
– Freework
– A Licki mat
– A calm environment with gentle music and a comfy resting spot
💚 In the end…
Zoomies are a joyful, natural expression of your dog’s personality and energy. Understanding why they happen can help you smile at the madness, rather than worry – and support your dog’s emotional well-being at the same time.
Does your dog get epic zoomies? Tell me what sets them off – bath time, bedtime, or the 6pm “witching hour”?