March 3, 2025, 9:13 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Every dog owner will probably be familiar with them — the so-called “zoomies.” Those moments when your dog suddenly starts running around wildly for no apparent reason, making hooks or sprinting in circles. But what is it actually all about?
Dogs also experience their “wild five minutes,” a phenomenon most dog owners will surely recognize. Indeed, who hasn’t witnessed their dog suddenly sprinting around or running in circles, as if bitten by a tarantula, in what’s commonly known as the zoomies? “Zoomies, also known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), often occur in various situations. For example, after bathing, when excited, or before bedtime,” explains dog psychologist Marc Ebersbach in an interview with PETBOOK.
Zoomies Can Relieve Stress or Be an Expression of Emotional Excitement
According to the dog expert, dogs may also exhibit zoomies when they absorb the positive vibes of a party or a backyard barbecue, sharing in the joy of those around them. “Then they suddenly run in tight circles at high speed or abruptly change direction.” Zoomies can, therefore, be caused by pent-up energy or emotional excitement.
“Zoomies serve to relieve stress and are an expression of pure joy. A dog uses them to show that it feels good and is happy.” Ideally, anyway. The dog psychologist knows that hectic, random phases of activity are not necessarily always a good thing. This is because a frequent occurrence can be indicative of boredom or a lack of exercise. But health problems, hormonal changes, stress, anxiety or overstimulation are also possible causes.” Therefore, it’s essential for owners to ensure their pets get enough exercise. Regular walks and playtime can reduce excessive zoomies.
What to Consider with Zoomies
Dog owners, therefore, shouldn’t simply write off their dog’s zoomies as ‘crazy five minutes’ but rather take note of when and how frequently they happen. “If a dog shows zoomies, it is important that it is in a safe environment in order to avoid injuries, for example, not when it is running free and not near a road,” explains Marc Ebersbach.
In a safe environment, owners are advised to let their dogs expend their energy without interference, the dog psychologist suggests. This is because a lot happens in the four-legged friend’s body, including hormonally. “Hormones such as adrenaline and dopamine play a role on a neuronal level. Adrenaline is released when excited. Dopamine activates the reward system in the dog’s brain.”
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Owners Should Not Confuse Zoomies with Post-Conflict Behavior
Ebersbach cautions that zoomies should not be mistaken for a dog’s appeasement behavior following a conflict. “Here, the dog can reduce residual tension by running around wildly and showing calming behavior. This serves to calm itself down and helps to end the situation on a positive note.” With this behavior, the four-legged friend wants to show that it is not holding a grudge and wants to turn the interaction into something pleasant.
“This behavior occurs in connection with a previously experienced tension or excitement. The dog might walk around the person, repeatedly seek eye contact, and show positive body language overall”. In principle, it can, therefore, be said that zoomies are generally a positive behavior in dogs. However, it is important to always pay attention to how often and in which situations they occur. Should the behavior occur with great frequency, it’s wise to explore the underlying causes and, if needed, seek the expertise of a veterinarian or dog psychologist who specializes in behavioral counseling.