Every morning, my mini dachshund Walter sprints into the day. Yes, sprints. The second the door of his cozy little crate opens, he’s rounding the corner out of the bedroom and down the hallway as fast as his short little legs can carry him. While I admittedly love the way Walter enters every day with such gusto, I’ve also never understood why in the world he does it.

“Zoomies are a sudden explosion of activity from your dog often manifesting as the tucking of their hindquarters as they race wildly, or zoom, around the house or yard,” says Dr. Karyn M. Wesley, an assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona. “There may be many causes for zoomies, but ultimately, we consider this behavior to be normal in dogs.” 

Here, experts explain why do dogs get the zoomies and the most common times zoomies occur, plus what pet owners should do when their pup gets a crazy case of the dog zoomies.

What causes the zoomies?

Here’s a quick list of the most common causes of zoomies in dogs:

• An abundance of stamina
• Hours of built-up energy
• Excitement or overstimulation 

“The most common reason for the zoomies is that a pet has pent-up energy that it needs to release,” says Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical professor at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. The zoomies aren’t specific to certain dog breeds, Teller adds, but they may be more common in high-energy dogs, especially those that do not get regular exercise. 

However, a lack of exercise is not the only cause of dog zoomies, Wesley says. “The zoomies are also a way for dogs to release their emotions,” she explains. “Many dogs simply have the zoomies because they feel big emotions such as excitement.” And just like expressing emotions is healthy for humans, it’s also perfectly healthy for dogs.

Have a dog that never gets the zoomies? That’s normal as well, explains Dr. Christa Kahuda, the owner and medical director at Charleston Harbor Veterinarians in Charleston, South Carolina. “Some dogs may have more outlets for their energy during the course of the day and are too tired for zoomies,” Kahuda says. “Others may be less likely to exhibit the behavior based on breed, age and personality.”

“The zoomies are also a way for dogs to release their emotions. Many dogs simply have the zoomies because they feel big emotions such as excitement.

—Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical professor at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Common types of dog zoomies

The official scientific term for dog zoomies is frenetic random activity periods or FRAPs. The key word here that dog owners should note? Random. “It is most common for zoomies to start without warning,” Wesley says. “When they take off running, they may jump on furniture, run in circles, take sharp turns, and some may bark.” 

But despite their unpredictable nature, zoomies do serve a purpose, and some circumstances can tell you a lot when it comes to determining what’s causing your dog to zoom. These are a few of the most common types dog zoomies and why they happen, according to experts:

Puppy zoomies 

The cause: An abundance of stamina

Puppies get the zoomies because they tend to have higher exercise requirements and more energy to burn than older dogs, Teller explains. In fact, zoomies appear to be most common in younger animals in general, and puppies can start experiencing zoomies at just a few weeks old. “Many dogs continue to get the zoomies their entire lives,” Wesley adds. “But as dogs age, the frequency and duration of zoomies often decline.”

Dog zoomies at night and in the morning

The cause: Hours of built-up energy

It is common for dogs to get zoomies at night after spending a day home alone or in a crate since they’ve had limited activity to release their energy, Wesley says. The same goes for early morning zoomies for dogs that sleep in a crate — like Walter. At these times, dogs may “feel the need to expel their built-up energy suddenly with a FRAP,” says Wesley.

Dog zoomies after a bath or a training session 

The cause: Having to be still for too long

Dogs often get the zoomies after a bath, as well as after – or even during – a training session, says professional dog trainer and behaviorist Sally Grottini who has over 30 years of experience working with canines. “This can come from frustration from not being able to move around enough, and the dog suddenly feels the need to get out a burst of energy,” Grottini says.

Dog zoomies during playtime

The cause: Excitement or overstimulation  

Zoomies during playtime are often due to pure excitement, Wesley says. This is even more likely to occur when your dog is in a new environment, like a new daycare or dog park. For example, Walter used to get the zoomies every time he’d enter the playspace at his daycare as a puppy. (He ran so many laps that he garnered the nickname ‘The Blonde Bullet!’) According to Kahuda, these zoomies were likely due to a mix of Walter’s excitement as well as his need to get out his puppy energy. “He has lots of excess energy and loves running it off!”

“Zoomies most often come out of the blue when least expected, and it is the dog using excess energy.”

—Sally Grottini, professional dog trainer and behaviorist

Are zoomies a sign of a happy dog?

Signs of a happy dog are actually different from signs of the zoomies. Dogs may exhibit happiness when they see a favorite person or when there’s the expectation of something good coming, such as when you’re making their dinner. This can cause uncontrollable movement, explains Grottini. “They may run, jump, spin in a circle, but this is not really zoomies as much as it is over excitement for something they know they enjoy,” she says. “Zoomies most often come out of the blue when least expected, and it is the dog using excess energy.”

That said, experts agree that it’s safe to say dogs are not unhappy when they get the zoomies. “We can’t read their minds, but based on their body language, they appear to be having a good time when they have the zoomies,” Teller says. 

What to do when your dog gets the zoomies?

In general, experts recommend letting dogs simply enjoy getting out their energy when the zoomies strike, unless they are in danger of hurting themselves or others. “If the time of day is predictable, you can even consider taking your dogs outside to zoom,” Teller says. “Otherwise, try to make sure they have an unobstructed area to zoom, then sit back and enjoy the fun.” 

“Once the zoomies start, they may be hard to stop until your dog decides they’re tired,” Wesley adds. Some human behaviors can intensify a zoomie session, like chasing your dog or making excited noises. “Once you have ensured your valuables and fragile items are out of the path of the wild zoomies, I would try leaving the room or [staying] quietly out of harm’s way. Your calm energy may help your dog’s excitement subside more quickly.”

How to control the zoomies

Again, dog zoomies are normal — and not a cause for concern. However, to keep your dog safe, try to discourage zoomies from occurring around stairs or slippery floors like tile or hardwood to keep them safe indoors, says Wesley. Outside, make sure the space is enclosed and do your best to remove hazards like holes, water and sharp objects.

Think your dog is zooming a bit too much? Take note of the timing of your dog’s bursts of energy. If your dog always zooms after being home alone, after extended periods of rest, or in the middle of your sleep schedule, this may be your dog’s way of telling you they need more exercise or mental stimulation, Wesley explains. In that case, she recommends adding these activities to your dog’s day to avoid a build-up of explosive energy:

• Walking or jogging in a new location, depending on your dog’s age and health status
• Playing with a puzzle toy that expels kibble or treats under certain conditions
• Learning a new trick – no dog is too old!
• Finding a hidden treat somewhere in the home as a game
• Chasing a ball, laser toy or other toys 
• Swimming