Pet owners and enthusiasts often observe some unusual and uncommon practices from dogs and puppies, i.e., swirling in circles, moving tails, jumping, and doing other crazy things that seem uncommon for the pet owners. This behavior is termed zoomies. The technical and professional term for zoomies is frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs). For the pet parents, it is of utmost importance to be familiar with such activities, as these carry practically no hazardous consequences except if they are allowed to act so in a dangerous space or environment.
This article is compiled for the general information of pets and canine enthusiasts; it deals with the frenetic activities of dogs, their duration, reasons and repercussions, and strategies to curtail the potential threats posed by such behaviors.
So, adhere to this in order to get relevant knowledge about FRAPs in dogs
Duration of Zoomies:
Almost every dog and puppy get zoomies in their lifetime, depending on the triggering factors; most often, puppies are affected more than adults. This may last for one or two minutes, according to veterinarians and pet experts, and it will go away without creating any concerning situation.
At what age do dogs get the most zoomies?
Every dog has a different personality and activity level depending on breed, upbringing, and liberty level, so it is believed that every dog will get zoomies at different times in their life, but mostly the young age is the most promising time for the dog to get zoomies owing to maximum energy level and growth spurt. Research conveys that the majority of dogs get many zoomies at the ages of 6 to 7, and at the ages of 10 to 12, zoomies stop altogether. But this is not for all dogs; some may deviate from these standards, and they behave uniquely and differently than others.
Reasons why dogs get zoomies:
Most pet owners notice dogs doing such activities, but the most important thing is to figure out why they are getting zoomies. There are so many reasons for getting Zoomies.
Here we will discuss some of them to get insights into the dog's frenetic and crazy behaviors.
Excitatory signal: When dogs are excited, they show such behaviors to indicate their excitement level. When dogs get new toys, a treat, meet with other canine pals, or land in a new environment, all these might be sources of excitement for dogs, so they react by getting zoomies and moving here and there. It is an indication that your dog is relaxed and happy.
Pent-up energy: Sometimes dogs’ resort to zooming activities to get rid of excess energy; pent-up energy is the foremost reason for the dogs to show frenetic behavior. To alleviate this, pet parents must arrange activities and programs to release excess energy from dogs, like taking dogs for walks, forcing them to exercise vigorously, playing with them, allowing them to play mental games and puzzles, etc., so that their pent-up and piled-up energy be burst.
Stress factors: If the dogs are stressed or subjected to anxiety, it is translated that they may get zooming bouts with clear signs of stress and depression. Stress is one of the factors that makes your dog behave crazy. To overcome this phenomenon, stress should first be alleviated.
After getting a shower: Dogs being wild in nature don't like to shower and bathe like men, so when they are forced to get a shower soon after, they show intense episodes of Zoomies that disappear in no time without creating problems. Bath time is one factor, so such behaviors after bathing aren't concerning for pet owners.
Post-walk zoomies: It is believed that walking is a way to get rid of zoomies; here it is contradicting the concept; that no dogs after getting short walks and having energy will resort to zoomies so that the excess energy be released.
Interaction with pals: If dogs are allowed to interact and meet with other dogs, animals, or even children, they show signs of happiness and joy by getting zoomies. Dogs are easily influenced by other pals and often act in a way that is crazy and frenetic.
Painful situation: Sometimes pain affects the dog's body, either by physical things like sharp objects or ticks and fleas causing pain to dogs, will make them show zoomies. Dogs get zoomies immediately if they experience pain and a parasitic attack.
Before going to bed: some dogs show zooming tendencies before going to bed; it is normal and something to worry about.
After getting food: after eating, dogs get zoomies because some dogs are food-oriented and like foods and treats, which increases their excitement level.
During confusing situations:
When your dogs are confused, for example, when you are trying to teach something new and they are not getting it, it will cause them to show bouts of zoomies.
Are zoomies dangerous or hazardous to dogs?
Zoomies are not harmful at all if the dog is in a safe and sound environment, clear from risky stuff like sharp and painted objects. But if the surroundings are messed up and contain disturbing things, it will pose a serious threat to the health of your canine buddies.
Some considerations to keep in mind:
Some considerations are to be kept in mind when observing dogs showing zoomies. The environment in which dogs are getting zoomies should be clean and clear of harmful things and stuff like pointed furniture, utensils, and heating equipment because they are out of their senses during a bout of zoomies, so try to keep them in an environment that is safe or out of danger for them.
- Leave them on their own and don't try to stop them from performing zoomies, as this may negatively affect their normal and natural phenomenon.
- Keep things that are meant for human use away from them.
- Children should be kept away from the dog's circle.
Some strategies to use during zooming episodes:
- Try these things during a bout of zooming activities.
- Don't follow the dogs; it is not recommended to chase them; rather, allow them to move and exercise without external influence.
- Call them by name: call them so that they show voluntary activities to some extent, and they will remain within the visual field.
- Make them chase you: do things that will stimulate dogs to follow or chase you.
When to consult a veterinarian:
For pet owners, it is always good and promising to seek a veterinarian's assistance if they show such crazy behaviors or something else, even though zoomies are absolutely okay and fine, but consulting a veterinarian is very important for the satisfaction of owners as well; it will rule out other possible health complications arising after zoomies or from other origins, so seeking veterinary advice regularly is a wise and proactive decision to ward off potential threats.
Conclusion:
In the end, we will sum up by laying emphasis on interpreting dogs' behaviors and giving advice to the pet enthusiasts who try to spot and figure out the exact reasons for zoomies, the frequency of zooming episodes, their complications, and possible treatment so that the underlying causes may be mitigated without further deterioration of your furry friend's health and wellness.