The Science of the Spaz: Understanding Your Dog’s "Zoomies"

Because nothing these days is simple, Zoomies, the wild, uncontrolled running around that all dogs do, has an actual scientific name. Be warned: your dog is having a FRAP episode. Frenetic Random Activity Period. Like a tantrum, but way more fun. And cuter.

Not To Worry

Unlike the untold number of cautions and warnings bombarding us about everything, there’s nothing to worry about with zoomies. It’s exactly what it looks like, dogs letting off steam. 

There are some predictable factors for zoomies. Young dogs do them more than old. They happen when dogs are excited. You came home! The doorbell rang! I pooped! (That’s actually a thing called “poophoria” and a relief response.)

Side Benefit

There’s one circumstance that always results in zoomies around here. Rain. Or a bath. Apparently wetness triggers the zoomie button in our dogs, most especially Simon.

Experts figure that the post-bath zoomies are part of a drying-off behavior, which makes sense. Especially when the dogs head straight for the most expensive rug in the house or the upholstered furniture in their mad dashes. Rubbing against the fabric must feel good to most dogs. 

Simon never got that memo. He dashes in, sopping wet from the rain, and immediately starts rubbing his face and head on the wood floors. 

It’s weird. We’ve tried to convince him that the towel we’re holding out is a better option, but he just zooms to a different bare floor. Apparently tile has the same drying value as wood.

Bouncing off the walls

Sometimes the best thing that you can do is get out of the way of a FRAPping dog. It’s also the smart thing. Trying to intercept the hurtling whirlwind around here results in bruised shins. Just stand back and enjoy the show. And try not to giggle when the mid-zoom leap onto the couch isn’t quite successful. Don’t embarrass your dog.