Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?

Last updated on May 2, 2018 By Jen Gabbard 3 Comments

If you’ve ever bathed a dog I bet you’ve seen the zoomies. It’s that frantic, running around the house at full speed craziness that we see as soon as our dog is released from the tub.

The zoomies are also called the rips, and for those looking for the scientific term they’re called frenetic random activity periods (FRAPS). Have you ever looked at your dog as he’s running around like a mad man and wondered what the heck is going on? Why do dogs get the zoomies?

Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?

Zoomies are a sudden release of energy in dogs. If you’ve ever seen your dog run around the house after a bath like a maniac that’s the zoomies. And if your young puppy gets sudden bursts of energy late at night that’s the zoomies. Dogs get the zoomies to release all their pent up energy.

Any dog can get the zoomies, but they’re most commonly seen in young dogs, dogs after a bath, and dogs during play.

Zoomies are Common in Young Dogs

If you have a young dog the zoomies are quite common and generally nothing to be concerned about. Zoomies are a quick way for our dogs to release extra energy. And although they’re more common in young dogs, older dogs get them too – especially when engaging in play. As dogs mature those sudden bursts of energy tend to happen less frequently.

While these outbursts are common they might indicate that you dog isn’t getting enough exercise. When Laika was an adolescent she’d often get them before bed, and I took it as a sign that I hadn’t quite exercised her enough that day.

If your dog gets the zoomies often try giving them some more mental & physical exercise. Just adding a few quick mentally stimulating games to their daily routine can have a huge impact. For my dog, a 5 minute nose work game such as ‘find the treats’ is just as tiring as a 30 minute walk.

Many Dogs Get the Zoomies After a Bath

Does your dog go crazy after a bath? If so you’re certainly not alone. Something mysterious happens to dogs after a bath – they go nuts. Running around the house, jumping up on furniture, zipping from room to room. Most dog owners are quite familiar with the post bath zoomies.

Experts believe dogs get the zoomies after a bath because it’s a quick way to get rid of nervous energy that’s been pent up. Zoomies after a bath is their way of showing relief that bath time is finally over.

Dogs Often Get the Zoomies When Playing

Dogs can get pretty excited when playing, and it’s common for them to get the zoomies. (excited dogs also have a tendency to hump due to over stimulation)

When Laika plays with other dogs she almost always gets the zoomies – running around the yard, tongue out, looking happy as can be. There’s something endearing about a dog’s willingness to get silly, and it’s something I never tire of seeing.

Does Your Dog Get the Zoomies?

Laika still gets the zoomies at night from time to time, and I usually just attribute it to a “not enough exercise” sort of day. Luckily our home layout is pretty open so she doesn’t create too much chaos.

Does your dog get the zoomies? Does your dog run around like crazy after a bath?