As a dog owner, you’re most likely familiar with ‘zoomies’, the time of day when your pet starts to run laps around the house like a madman.
A veterinarian has recently unveiled on TikTok that there is actually a scientific term for the hyperactive behavior exhibited by dogs when they are excited.
Katrina Warren is an Australian television veterinarian known for co-hosting various programs on the Seven Network. She recently shared a video on her TikTok profile @drkatrinawarren educating dog owners about this peculiar behavior.
What is ‘Zoomies’?
Dr Warren reveals that the scientific term for ‘zoomies’ is “Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs). And they are just short explosions of energy.”
The short 15-second video with the caption, ‘’Sound Familiar?’ has garnered over 20,000 views and received over 400 likes. The video also prompted many dog owners to respond with their own stories of their own dogs’ irresistible urges to engage in ‘zoomies.’
@drkatrinawarren Familiar? #dogzoomies #zoomies #petfacts #pettips
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In the accompanying video featuring a dog dashing down a hallway, Katrina can be heard explaining, “Were you aware that there’s actually a scientific term for a dog’s zoomies?
“It’s really common in puppies and younger dogs. It is also referred to as ‘the crazies’, and I’m sure you might know why we call it that as well.”
The comment section shared their experiences with their dogs having FRAPs, while others were surprised that there was a scientific term for the behavior.
Dr Katrina Warren reveals the scientific term for ‘zoomies’ is Frenetic Random Activity Periods. Credit: @drkatrinawarren/TikTok.
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“I just sit still and don’t move when my German Shorthair Pointer gets them,” one said.
Another added, “my poodle is 15 years old and she still gets the zoomies.”
A third user said, “My 14 year old pup gets the zoomies all the time. He thinks he’s still a puppy I reckon.”
Zoomies are a natural behavior
According to José Arce, the president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, these bursts of energy are entirely natural and can be observed in numerous domesticated and wild animal species.
“They may appear random, but there are actually a few triggers for dogs. For example, when a dog is released from its crate, it may engage in zoomies as a way to let out all the pent-up energy it has built up throughout the day,” Arce said.
Often referred to as ‘the crazies’, they’re natural and don’t pose a danger to your dog in most cases. Credit: @drkatrinawarren/TikTok.
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“It can also happen when you come home after a long day away from home. Their owner coming home can serve as a trigger for the dog to exercise by running around the home after sleeping for a while.”
“It can also happen after bathing as a way to release nervous or excitable energy from the bath,” Arce said.
What happens if my dog engages in Zoomies?
Zoomies themselves pose little danger to dogs and serious injuries are unlikely to occur from this behavior according to Arce.
However, it is generally recommended that you should remove potentially hazardous items out of sight at home and stay vigilant while out on walks. It’s important to maintain a firm grip on the leash to prevent the dog from sprinting away if they experience zoomies.
Additionally, it’s recommended to allow the pet to release any excess energy before engaging in unpredictable activities like sightseeing or embarking on a walk near a cliff.
