Dog Zoomies Go Viral: Pug in Pink Robe Sprints Like a Pro Leaving Internet in Stitches!
I’m sure you’ll agree… our furry friends often display behaviors so puzzling, we’re quick to capture them on video. One of the quirkiest and most common canine behaviors that dog owners are all too familiar with? The zoomies.
One lovely Pug — named Pickles — has left netizens in stitches after she was captured on video having post-bath zoomies, and we’re pretty sure she will make your day. The funny seconds-long clip — uploaded to TikTok by Pickles owner @puggpickles — shows Pickles running back and forth the living room like an absolute maniac after her bath. A text layered over the video, which is hilariously accompanied by the Olympics theme song, reads: “If post-bath zoomies were an Olympic sport.”
Sweet Pickles is wearing a pink doggy bathrobe while running around, and we have to admit: dog zoomies never looked so cute!
Watch the funny clip below:
@puggpickles Would Pickles win a gold medal? ⭐️😆🥇 #pug #pugzoomies #olympics #dogsoftiktok #pugsoftiktok ♬ The Olympic Theme – Paul Brooks
Dog Zoomies: Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies? (5 Reasons Revealed)
You’ve likely seen it happen more times than you can count.
One minute your canine friend is as calm as a gentle breeze. Then suddenly, they’re running at top speed around the house all wide-eyed, jumping on furniture and knocking stuff over as though they’ve gone bonkers.
And every time this happens, you’re left with a big question mark on your mind: Why on earth does my dog do this?
First things first, rest assured that zoomies are a normal dog behavior. You may be surprised to know that there’s an official scientific term for doggy zoomies: Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs).
In the simplest terms, experts describe dog zoomies or FRAPs as sudden bursts of energy. Typically, zoomies last for a brief period, and while they can occur in dogs of all ages and breeds, they’re more commonly observed in puppies and younger adult dogs.
“Zoomies are unmistakable bursts of energy that are really common in puppies and younger dogs. They’re usually nothing to worry about provided your dog can run safely,” Pet expert Dr. Katrina Warren explained in a TikTok video.
Generally, zoomies are a dog’s way of releasing pent-up energy, and more often than not, indicate your pup is in a happy mood. However, these spontaneous outbursts of hyperactivity can also occur in response to a stressful situation.
With that in mind, here are five specific reasons why dogs get zoomies:
1. Lack of enough physical exercise or mental stimulation
Dogs require adequate physical activity and mental stimulation every day, as these two are their main energy outlets. The daily amount of exercise your dog needs depends on several factors, from their breed, to their age, and state of health.
“Dogs are capable of great love and affection, but you must be committed to meeting their daily exercise requirements to get the best from your dog,” Pet Rescue Advocate Rocky Kanaka explains.
If your pup doesn’t get their required daily dose of physical activity or mental stimulation and instead spends most of their time in a crate, they’ll have excess energy built up, triggering zoomies episodes.
In other words, zoomies may be your dog’s way of releasing all the energy they didn’t utilize during the day.
2. They’ve Just Had their Bath
Most dog parents often witness their furry friends get the zoomies after a bath. If you can relate to this, you’ve likely ever thought to yourself: “Why do dogs get the zoomies after a bath?” Or “Why does my dog go crazy after a bath?”
Well, here’s the thing…
Bath time can be a stressful experience for some dogs. This may lead to them having a build-up of nervous energy by the time they’re done bathing, and so zoomies allows them to get rid of this energy.
On the flip side, though, some bath-time-loving dogs may have extreme excitement once they’re out of the tub, triggering their post-bath zoomies.
“My dogs who love baths (even to the point of jumping into the shower when I’m in there) have post-bath zoomies. It’s just an expression of excitement,” commented user @llamalibrarian in a Reddit discussion on dog zoomies after bath.
3. They’re Too Excited to Keep Calm
There are many things that could make your dog’s excitement levels shoot from zero to 100. Maybe they’re really enjoying playtime, are super pumped up to see you after you return home, or they’re too excited about taking a walk.
Whichever the case, zoomies could be your dog’s way of expressing the intense excitement they feel.
4. They’re Extremely Tired
Sometimes, zoomies may be the canine version of dog tantrums. If your dog is overly exhausted and just wants to switch to resting mode, they may have the zoomies before napping their tiredness away.
“My pup exclusively gets zoomies when he is overtired (either after a longer than usual play session or a day when we skipped naps for some reason,” revealed user @mgrateez in a Reddit discussion on dog zoomies.
5. They’re Anxious/ Stressed Out
In other cases, zoomies may be an indicator that your dog is stressed about something. You can know there’s an underlying stressful trigger behind your dog’s zoomies by observing their body language.
According to experts at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, a stressed-out zooming dog will appear tensed, with their ears folded back and their tail tucked in even after they stop zooming.
If there’s something about your dog’s zoomies that makes you concerned, consider having a chat with your vet or an animal behaviorist for the sake of your pup’s overall well-being.
How to Safely Manage Your Dog’s Zoomies
While having the zoomies, dogs hardly pay attention to their surroundings. This can put them at risk of hitting and hurting themselves, particularly if they’re running frantically in an enclosed space with various obstacles in sight.
You can avoid this from happening by redirecting your zooming dog to a more open, secure area, such as a fenced backyard.
And if your pup gets the zoomies in an inappropriate location, like at a restaurant, for instance, try distracting them with a toy to help redirect their energy and attention back to you.
“Zoomies are normal, but make sure they can’t hurt themselves — you can redirect their energy to a game or some training,” advises Dr. Katrina.
Dog Zoomies: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are zoomies a sign of a happy dog?
Yes, that’s right. Generally, zoomies aren’t a cause for concern. In most cases, they indicate that a dog is happy or relieved about something.
Why do dogs get zoomies after a bath?
As explained earlier, post-bath zoomies could be your dog’s way of releasing any pent-up nervous energy they may have had during their bath.
