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- The Zoomies Explained – Why Your Dog Goes Nuts at Night
The Zoomies Explained – Why Your Dog Goes Nuts at Night
It’s late. You’ve just finished cleaning the kitchen. And suddenly, your dog turns into a four-legged torpedo — zooming through the hallway, sliding on tiles, spinning in wild circles with a look of pure chaos in their eyes.
Dial A Vet
June 07, 2025
We call this delightful chaos: The Zoomies.
But what are they? And should you be worried?
🧠 What Are Zoomies, Really?
The scientific name is FRAPs — Frenetic Random Activity Periods.
They’re spontaneous bursts of energy that your dog just has to burn.
It’s completely normal behaviour, especially in puppies and young dogs, but even older dogs aren’t immune.
Zoomies typically look like:
High-speed laps around your backyard or living room
Spinning in circles
Rapid play-bows followed by explosive sprinting
Wide eyes and a big, open-mouth grin (that adorable “wild look”)
📍 Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?
There are a few common triggers:
Pent-up energy – Especially after a nap or a lazy day.
Excitement – After a bath, walk, or seeing their favourite human.
Stress release – Sometimes, they zoom after something stressful, like grooming or a vet visit.
Just for fun – Because life is good and the rug is slippery.
It’s their way of releasing physical and emotional tension in one massive energy blast.
🐾 Is It Ever a Problem?
Zoomies are normal and healthy — as long as:
Your dog doesn’t knock over furniture (or toddlers)
They don’t injure themselves on slick surfaces
It doesn’t happen obsessively or interfere with sleep/eating
If your dog is getting the zoomies multiple times a day, every day, and seems wired instead of playful — it might be a sign of under-exercise or anxiety.
In that case, a consult with a vet or behaviourist could help.
🛑 What to Avoid During Zoomies
Don’t try to physically restrain them (they’ll just resist harder)
Don’t punish them — it’s natural behaviour
Do make sure their environment is safe (no glass coffee tables or slippery stairs)
Instead, let them run it out in a safe space — ideally outside or in a padded room — then offer water and calm praise when they’re done.
👩⚕️ When to Ask a Vet
If zoomies become frequent, destructive, or happen at odd times (like 3am), it could be:
A sign of anxiety
Overstimulation
Or even neurological issues (in rare cases)
Not sure if your dog’s zoomies are playful or a symptom?
👉 Book a $49 online consult with a Dial A Vet professional — we’ll help you decode the behaviour and know what’s normal.