Zoomies - Why they get them and what they’re really telling us

We’ve all seen it — one minute your dog is calm, and the next they’re flying around the house like a tiny tornado.

They sprint in circles, dig at the carpet, or tear through the yard at full speed.

It’s funny, confusing, and sometimes a little concerning.

These bursts of energy are known as zoomies, or FRAPs (Frenetic Random Activity Periods). And while they can look chaotic, they actually make perfect sense once you understand what’s going on beneath the surface.

Because zoomies aren’t random — they’re your dog’s nervous system doing its best to regulate itself.

What’s Really Happening During Zoomies

Zoomies are the body’s way of releasing built-up energy — physical, emotional, or both.

They act as a reset button for the nervous system, helping dogs discharge tension and return to balance after stress, restraint, or overstimulation.

But not all zoomies come from the same place. Some are signs of joy and playfulness, while others are your dog’s way of saying, “I’m overwhelmed.”

Let’s look at a few common reasons they happen.

1. Energy Release and Regulation

When a dog has too much pent-up energy — whether from excitement, stress, or boredom — they’ll often use movement to let it out.

Think of zoomies as the body’s natural way to vent pressure and re-regulate.

2. Emotional Decompression

After moments of tension or restraint — being groomed, bathed, or kept still — dogs sometimes “shake off” that feeling through fast, explosive movement.

It’s the emotional equivalent of a deep sigh.

3. Transition Moments

Zoomies often happen during transitions, like after meals, play, or right before bed.

These are times when energy levels shift suddenly, and the nervous system tries to rebalance.

4. The “Pressure Cooker” Effect

One of the most common (and misunderstood) causes of zoomies is overtiredness.

When a dog goes through the day without enough chances to rest or regulate their emotions, their nervous system builds internal pressure — like a sealed pot.

By the end of the day, they’re both exhausted and overloaded, and that energy needs somewhere to go.

The result?

A frantic burst of energy that looks like play but is really the body’s attempt to vent emotional steam.

But while these zoomies offer short-term relief, they don’t restore balance.

The most enriching thing for that dog isn’t more activity — it’s sleep, rest, and recovery.

When Zoomies Are Fine (and When They’re Not)

Most of the time, zoomies are harmless — a joyful release that ends quickly and leaves your dog relaxed.

But not every time or place is right for them.

If the behaviour risks causing stress or discomfort to others, it’s best to calmly step in and redirect your dog.

For example, zoomies that erupt in crowded parks, near anxious dogs, or around children can cause more chaos than connection.

It’s not about punishing your dog — it’s about keeping the peace and maintaining emotional safety for everyone involved.

How Play Can Create (or Prevent) Zoomies

A common misconception is that zoomies mean your dog needs more exercise. But often, it’s not about quantity — it’s about quality.

When we play in a way that constantly ramps up adrenaline — endless ball throwing, rough play, or long high-arousal chases — we’re flooring the accelerator without ever teaching our dog how to use the brakes.

That kind of play can lead to emotional dysregulation, overstimulation, and ultimately more zoomies later as your dog tries to self-regulate.

Healthy exercise is about balance, not burnout.

Good play includes:

• Moments of calm between bursts of excitement.

• Predictable cues for when play starts and stops.

• Opportunities for problem-solving and communication — not just constant motion.

When we include emotional regulation and communication in our games, exercise becomes more than physical — it becomes grounding.

The Power of Clarity, Consistency, and Rest

Predictability is one of the most important elements of emotional wellbeing for dogs.

When a dog knows what’s expected of them, how we’ll respond, and when it’s time to rest, they feel safe. That sense of safety is the foundation for good behaviour.

It’s not the absence of boundaries that helps them relax — it’s the consistency of them.

Clarity, routine, and regular rest prevent many of the emotional build-ups that lead to zoomies in the first place.

Dogs that live with predictable structure and calm communication have far fewer moments of frustration or overwhelm — because their world makes sense.

How to Handle Zoomies Wisely

1. Don’t punish or chase.
   Zoomies are communication, not misbehaviour. Punishment adds stress and can make them more frequent.

2. Ensure safety.
   Make sure your dog can move without risk of injury or collision.

3. Consider others.
   If zoomies are likely to upset or scare others, calmly interrupt and redirect your dog. Maintaining peace keeps everyone’s nervous systems regulated — including yours.

4. Look at the pattern.
   Notice when zoomies happen. If they appear predictably — like every evening — it’s a sign your dog needs more rest, calm enrichment, or structure earlier in the day.

5. Prioritise rest.
   A dog that’s overstimulated or overtired doesn’t need more activity. They need help winding down.
   Calm connection, slow affection, and sleep do more for their wellbeing than any extra run ever could.

The Takeaway

Zoomies aren’t just silly dog behaviour — they’re information.

They tell us how our dog’s nervous system is coping with their world.

When we meet their needs for rest, clarity, and structure — and when our play helps them regulate instead of overload — zoomies shift from chaos to joy.

Because true emotional balance isn’t built through exhaustion.

It’s built through calm, connection, and consistency.

If you want help regulating your dogs emotions in a healthy way for them to live better lives and for you to enjoy them more, get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.