Puppy Zoomies Explained  Why They Happen and How to Calm Them 2025 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Your puppy suddenly sprints through the house like a rocket, bouncing off the couch, spinning in circles, and darting from room to room. This hilarious (and chaotic) display is what we call the “zoomies.”

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston. Zoomies are normal—but if they’re happening constantly, late at night, or leading to accidents, here’s what you need to know and how to manage them safely.

💨 What Are Zoomies?

Zoomies, officially known as “Frenetic Random Activity Periods” (FRAPs), are intense bursts of energy common in puppies. They’re often triggered by emotion—excitement, stress, or overstimulation—and help your pup reset their nervous system.

📅 When Zoomies Usually Happen

• 🌅 Early morning (after waking up)
• 🌃 Evening (aka the “witching hour”)
• 🛁 After a bath or grooming
• 💩 After pooping (especially in young pups)
• 😰 After a stressful experience (e.g., vet visit)

🧠 Why Do Puppies Get the Zoomies?

• 🐾 Built-up physical energy from lack of movement
• 🧠 Overstimulation with no clear outlet
• 🛏️ Missed nap = tired + overtired = hyper
• 🎉 Pure joy or release after a long, calm period

Vet Tip: Zoomies are normal unless they're constant, destructive, or lead to injury. If so, it’s time to assess routine and structure.

🧘 How to Calm a Puppy with Zoomies

1. Redirect, Don’t Restrain

• 🧸 Toss a toy or chew in a calm space (pen, crate, mat)
• ⛔ Don’t try to hold, leash, or scold during the zoomie—just redirect

2. Create a Safe Zoomie Zone

• 🏡 Block off staircases, remove sharp edges, close bathroom doors
• 🛋️ Use nonslip rugs or mats on slippery floors

3. Focus on Routine, Not Suppression

• 📅 Regular walks, naps, meals, and short training sessions help balance energy
• 🔄 Overtired pups often zoom more than well-rested ones

4. Add Mental Enrichment

• 🧠 Use a snuffle mat, puzzle toy, or lick mat to decompress postzoomie
• 🎓 Short 2-minute training sessions can recenter attention

🧭 Zoomie Myths (Debunked)

• ❌ “Zoomies mean they didn’t get enough exercise.” 
  🧠 Not always—sometimes it’s overstimulation, not understimulation.
• ❌ “It’s a sign of ADHD or bad behavior.” 
  🐾 Nope—zoomies are a normal neurological release in young dogs.
• ❌ “You need to stop it”
  ✅ Instead, redirect or prevent unsafe zoomies—not all need to be interrupted.

📋 Daily Schedule to Minimize Wild Zoomies

🎁Gear That Helps with Zoomie Management

• Bungee Lead – Reduces leash shock if zoomies happen outdoors
• Dual Pocket Dispenser – Keep high-value chews or rewards handy
• Explorer Harness – Secure but nonrestrictive for active pups

💬 What Puppy Parents Say

“Our pup would go wild every night at 8pm. Once we added more structure and enrichment—zoomies stopped being chaos.” – Jess & Momo

“We puppyproofed one room and let her zoom safely—it gave us peace of mind and fewer broken lamps!” – Leo & Daisy

👩⚕️ Need a Zoomie Behavior Plan?

Send your puppy’s age, routine, and triggers to Ask A Vet, and we’ll create a vet-reviewed zoomie management and enrichment strategy tailored to your dog’s needs.

Final Thoughts

Zoomies are one of the funniest—and most misunderstood—parts of puppyhood. They’re not bad behavior. They’re emotional energy releases. Set boundaries, build a routine, and let your pup safely run wild when they need to.