Zoomies: what they mean and why dogs get them
noun · also: FRAPs, frapping
zoomies: A sudden burst of wild, happy running, often in circles.
Zoomies are a sudden, all-out burst of running: laps of the yard, figure eights around the sofa, a full-speed tour of the hallway, then a flop. Everyone else calls it chaos. Your dog calls it cardio.
In DoggoLingo
“Bath's over! Commencing zoomies in 3, 2, borf.”
Use “zoomies” in a sentence
Mocha had the zoomies so hard the rug filed a complaint.
Zoomies: the real science
What zoomies really are
Dog experts call zoomies FRAPs: Frenetic Random Activity Periods, short bursts of intense, random activity. [1] The slang word covers any sudden burst of hyperactivity, like running back and forth or in circles. [2]
When and why they happen
They often come after something stressful, like a bath, as if the dog is shaking off the tension or is just delighted it's over. They're common at night too, especially for puppies that have been crated all day or haven't had enough exercise. [1] Younger dogs zoom more; as energy drops with age, frapping usually drops too. [1]
Safe zoomies
Clear the path: no obstacles, breakable ornaments or table legs in the way. A fenced yard beats a cluttered living room, and carpet is safer than a slippery floor, so nobody wipes out. [1] Zooming that seems constant, or that worries you, is worth asking your vet about.
Zoomies questions
Why do dogs get the zoomies?
Zoomies, or FRAPs, are bursts of pent-up energy. They often follow a bath or another stressful moment, or come at night after a quiet day. [1]
Are zoomies bad for dogs?
Usually not. The main risks are obstacles and slippery floors, so give them a clear, fenced or carpeted space. [1]
What does zoomies mean?
Zoomies is slang for a sudden burst of hyperactivity in a dog, cat or other animal, such as running back and forth or in circles. [2]
Do dogs grow out of the zoomies?
Many zoom less as they get older and their energy drops, but plenty of adult dogs still do a happy lap now and then. [1]
How we got this
The meaning comes from how the word is used online and from slang dictionaries. The science section says only what the linked sources say; we read each one before quoting it. The drawing and example sentences are made up for fun.
Sources
- Why does my puppy go wild at night? (Zoomies). American Kennel Club. Supports: Zoomies are Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs): short bursts of intense activity, often after a stressful event like a bath or at night; keep the path clear of obstacles and breakables, a fenced yard or carpet is safer, and frapping usually drops as energy drops with age.
- zoomies (slang). Dictionary.com. Supports: Zoomies is slang for a sudden burst of hyperactivity in a dog, cat or other animal, such as running back and forth or in circles.