7 Reasons Why Dogs Get The Zoomies
Does your German shepherd get the zoomies? No doubt, when they do, it’s fun for you to watch. Their wild and crazy motions are hilarious. They also look like they’re having a great time as they race around in hyper circles.
The zoomies, or frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs for short), describe those distinctive explosions of energy that dogs engage in from time to time. They involve the dog getting excited and running in circles, spinning, or quickly performing other repetitive movements.
The zoomies are a natural behavior that signals that a dog is having fun or releasing pent-up energy. Some dog owners call this crazed behavior crazy eights, midnight madness, and demon possession. If you’ve ever had to get out of the way of your wild dog in these moments, you might have a word of your own to describe it.
A dog doing the zoomies can’t be ignored. The behavior is unmistakable from other forms of activity. The sudden bursts of energy that send dogs into a happy spiral of intense motion and excited mental state are easily recognized. The zoomies often involve the dog:
• Relaxed body language
• Spinning circles
• Running repetitive laps
• Jumping off and on the furniture
• Shaking toys
• Play bowing
• Inviting people or other animals to play
• Chasing pet friends
• Being wild and crazy
• Excitedly barking and yapping
• Tucking their butt when being chased
The zoomies can strike at any time but often follow a schedule, such as the same time every morning or afternoon. Or, they might happen when you get home from work or are triggered by a certain activity, such as playtime.
The zoomies typically don’t last long and are safe for most dogs. Puppies and younger dogs engage in the zoomies more often. Meanwhile, as a dog reaches their senior years, they tend to slow down and the zoomies might disappear altogether.
The reasons dogs get the zoomies may include:
1. When you and your dog are reunited
Your German shepherd loves to be with you. Being reunited can trigger a zoomy celebration. It’s your dog’s way of showing you just how much they missed you and how happy they are that you’re together again.
2. After experiencing something stressful
Sometimes dogs will get the zoomies after doing something stressful, such as when they get home from the vet or after getting their nails trimmed. It’s their way of getting rid of some of their anxiety over a situation and reveling in it being over. Much like the dog version of wiping their brow, whew…
3. After a bath
Many dogs get the zoomies after a bath. It might be because they are excited that it's over or that they just feel so good or they’re trying to get stinky again. We really don’t know but they love running around in crazed madness, shaking, and rolling around in the grass as soon as they can.
4. In anticipation of exercise
You might notice that your dog gets the zoomies before you go for a walk together or are going out to play. It’s like they're having a mini celebration in anticipation of having some fun. This is because German shepherds are high energy and love to burn off energy and the zoomies are like an exercise appetizer.
5. To relieve boredom
If your dog hasn’t gotten enough exercise or gets bored, they might get the zoomies to burn off some of their pent-up energy and to entertain themselves. It’s their way of exercising their mind and body and showing you they need to get out and do something fun.
6. To release stress
If your dog is feeling stressed or nervous about a situation, it might get the zoomies. It helps them release some of their negative energy and the stress hormone cortisol that has built up in their blood. In short, the zoomies are self-soothing so it helps them relax and feel better.
7. After they poop
It’s not unusual for dogs to break out the zoomies after they relieve themselves, much like a hysterical post-potty dance.
The zoomies are natural dog behavior and are typically safe. But, an overexcited German shepherd can get hurt when they get too crazy. There are some things you can do to help prevent accidents:
• Fill any holes in the yard
• Remove hazards and sharp objects
• Prevent running on hard floors
• Cover slippery flooring with scatter rugs
• Keep them away from roads and traffic
• Get them tethered until they are in a safe place
• Keep them off ice and snow until they are calm
• Stay out of their way
• Take them to the vet if they are in pain, are over-anxious, or can’t calm down
Although healthy dogs may do the zoomies to relieve stress, the zoomies should not be confused with stress, fear, or pain. Scared dogs will:
• Be tense and are not having fun
• Show whale eyes (wide eyes with whites showing)
• Keep their tail tucked to their belly
• Carry their head low
• Fold ears back
Watching happy dogs enjoy themselves is heartwarming. The zoomies are an elevated version of that. It’s impossible not to laugh at their crazy behavior and maybe all of us need more of that pure joy in our lives, too.
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