2025 Vet Insight: Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies? FRAPs Explained! 🐶💨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hi there—I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Have you ever witnessed your dog zooming around like a whirlwind, bouncing off walls and racing through the yard? That exhilarating eruption of energy is known as the “zoomies,” officially frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs). In this 2025 vet insight, we’ll explore why dogs get them, when they’re healthy (and when they’re not), how to keep your pup safe, and ways to channel their energy into fun, positive experiences.

1. What Are Zoomies (FRAPs)?

FRAPs are short-lived, high-energy episodes where dogs bolt around—often circling, spinning, bowing—seemingly for no reason. They last just a few minutes, ending in an exhausted flop of happiness.

2. Why Do Dogs Zoom?

• Release excess energy: A build-up from lack of exercise, confinement, or rest.
• Excitement & celebration: Triggered when you arrive home, before a walk, or after eating.
• Stress relief: After baths, vet visits, or quiet time.
• Playfulness: Dog play bows during FRAPs signal fun and social play.
• Age, breed & temperament: Puppies, high-energy breeds, and playful dogs get zoomies more often.

3. When and Where Zoomies Happen

• Commonly in the evening: Puppy “witching hours” before bed.
• Post-bath frenzy to shake off water and tension.
• Freed after confinement—in a crate or a car ride.
• After play or training, frantic over-excitement.

4. Why Zoomies Matter

These energy bursts are a healthy expression of physical and mental needs—release, joy, signaling—unless they occur excessively or dangerously.

5. Signs Zoomies Are Joyful vs Stressful

Happy zoomies feature loose, wiggly bodies, wagging tails, play bows, and relaxed movement. A frightened zoom session—stiff body, tucked tail, pinned ears—signals anxiety and needs calming.

6. Keeping Your Dog Safe During Zoomies

• ✔️ Provide safe space: fenced yard, carpeted room—avoid stairs, furniture, slippery floors.
• ✔️ Don’t chase—reinforces chasing and may encourage running away.
• ✔️ Redirect outside if indoors is risky.
• ✔️ Watch health: if arthritis or mobility issue, zoomies may injure. Use soft surfaces.

7. When to Be Concerned

• Excess or nightly zoomies—indicate insufficient exercise/enrichment.
• Fearful zoomies—avoidance body language, stress—address anxiety.
• Persistent panting, collapse, signs of discomfort—seek vet evaluation.

8. Enrichment to Balance Zoomies

• Physical activity: walks, fetch, swimming, and agility tailored to age and breed.
• Mental stimulation: puzzle feeders, training, scent games.
• Calming routines: safe den, classical music, Purrz pheromones via Ask A Vet.

9. FAQs on Zoomies ❓

Q: Should I try to stop zoomies?

A: No—just ensure a safe space. They’re a normal, healthy way to express energy.

Q: My senior dog still zooms—normal?

Yes—just watch for signs of fatigue or stiffness—soft surfaces help.

Q: Zoomies right before bed—why?

Dogs often vent energy after a calm day—then they settle off to sleep.

Q: Zoomies post-bath—bad?

No—this release after a stressful or wet experience is very normal.

10. Ask A Vet Tools & Support 🛠️

• 📹 Share zoomie videos—vets can interpret emotion and triggers
• 🏃 Personalized exercise plans to reduce excess energy
• 🧠 Training to manage arousal and impulse control
• 🛋 Calming aid recommendations (Purrz, music)
• 📈 Behavior tracking—frequency, context—guiding adjustments

🩺 Final Vet Reflection

Zoomies may look chaotic, but they’re an expression of joy, relief, or celebration. When managed safely, they’re a sign of a healthy, energetic pup. Provide space, enrichment, and watch for any red flags. And if you ever need personalized help, Ask A Vet is here to support your dog’s dynamic lifestyle. 🐾❤️