Why does my dog get Zoomies?

Why does my dog get zoomies? Why does my dog run around like crazy? Is it normal for dogs to zoom? Are these some questions you have asked yourself? We certainly have! Well, let’s dig in!

Here are some quick facts About Zoomies (a.k.a. FRAPs – Frenetic Random Activity Periods)

Let’s define FRAPs

Frenetic Random Activity Periods—often called “zoomies”—are sudden bursts of high energy where a dog runs, spins, or dashes around wildly for no obvious reason. These moments are completely normal and usually short-lived. They’re how dogs release built-up energy, excitement, or even stress. While they may look chaotic, zoomies are often a sign of a happy, healthy dog just having a moment of pure joy.

Skippy, our Coton de Tulear, proudly showing off his Zoomies Expert Collar Charm

Is it Good or Bad? 

🐾 First and foremost, They’re normal and healthy. Zoomies are bursts of energy that dogs release, often after rest or a stressful situation. It’s simply a way of expressing emotion and energy.

🐾 Zoomies are not a behavior problem—they're a sign your dog needs or is enjoying stimulation.

🐾 Puppies and adolescent dogs often zoom more than seniors pups.

🐾 Most experts agree zoomies reflect happiness, excitement, or the need to “shake it off.”

Let’s Talk about 7 triggers that spark those Zoomies!

1- Baths & Grooming: Ever notice after your dog’s bath or a grooming session, they start tossing and turning and running in all directions? This mainly occurs for 2 reasons.. They were probably feeling stress during the bath or groom, they behaved and stood still for you but all of that stress built up inside them in the form of energy and once they are “free” that energy needs to be released. It’s really comes out as excitement and it’s healthy for them to be allowed to have their zoomies moment. 

2- The Poo-phoria Effect: 💩 Ever notice your dog takes off like a rocket after doing their business? Okay, so this is a real and quirky phenomenon and I will give you a digestible explanation. Some dogs go into a sudden case of the zoomies right after pooping. It’s not just random—it’s something vets and behaviorists call “poo-phoria.” The most common reasons for it include: 

💩Physical relief: Just like humans, dogs feel a sense of release after doing their business. That light, empty feeling can literally make them want to bounce around.

💩Nerve stimulation: The act of pooping stimulates nerves in the rectum—particularly the vagus nerve, which is linked to the brain and can trigger a feel-good response. It’s the same nerve that helps regulate mood and heart rate in humans.

💩Celebration behavior: Dogs often want to mark the moment, especially puppies. It can be their way of saying, “Look what I did!” It’s instinctual, joyful, and totally goofy.

💩A return to play: If they’ve been holding it in during a walk or car ride, finally going can signal, “Okay! Back to fun now!”

3- Seeing their Favorite Person: Whenever we return home whether it’s after a short or longer leave, our pups are equally excited and so begins the Zoomies!

4- Boredom Release: Many of our pups are trained to be caged. I’m sure none of us love the idea of our pup sitting in a cage for hours but we don’t always have a choice and often times, it is for their safety. We can only imagine that being let out of a cage or after not seeing other people for hours will trigger some happy zoomies. 

5- Time of the Day: Dawn and or Dusk. Dogs are crepuscular animals by nature, meaning they’re biologically wired to be most active during twilight hours—at sunrise and sunset. In the wild, these are the safest and most efficient times for hunting or exploring because predators and prey are both on the move.

Even though our dogs now live comfy domestic lives, those ancient instincts still kick in.

6- Breeds and Age Matter: Obvious to say younger pups have more energy and will zoom more than a senior dog. Herding and working breeds will also zoom more. If your dog is a Border Collie, in the Shepard family, a sheepdog, or even a corgi— they were bred to work and if they don’t have a job to do, they’ll make up their own!  

7- Personality: Some dogs are just more likely to have them. Zoomies can reflect a dog’s playful personality or quirky habits. A high-zoomie pup might be extra expressive, goofy, or sensitive to stimulation.

View the Zoomies Expert Collar Charm right here on IsyandCris.com

Celebrate the chaos. Embrace the weird. Mark the moment with a charm that says, “Yep, I’m that dog.” Our Zoomies Expert Collar Charm is basically their personality in charm form.

We Get it!

At Isy & Cris, we’re all about celebrating the little things that make your dog your dog. From zoomies to sock stealing, every quirk deserves its moment. See what speaks to your pup in our charm collection.

Want more fun dog insights and charm ideas? Follow us on Instagram or TikTok—we’re always sharing moments that make dog life what it is: messy, magical, and full of zoomies.