Boppard. If a dog, as they say colloquially, gets its “five minutes” or zoomies, it is completely normal. The scientific term frenetic random activity periods (Fraps) stands for this “five minutes”. It is a behavior associated with sudden energy checks. These moments when the dog apparently runs around, jumps and plays at high speed for no reason can be both amusing and confusing for the dog owner.
What are zoomies?
Zoomies are short phases of intensive activity in which dogs run around wildly, often in circles or zigzag patterns. This can last a few seconds to several minutes and usually ends abruptly. During this time the dog seems to be in its own world, he ignores orders and shows high energy and excitement.
Why do dogs have zoomies?
There are several reasons why dogs get zoomies:
- Excitement and joy: Zoomies often occur when the dog is particularly excited, for example when a family member comes home or with other four -legged friends during the game.
- After a bath: After a bathroom, many dogs show such behavior as a kind of stress reduction or to free themselves from the feeling of the wet fur.
- After phases of rest: After waking up or after a long period of rest, the dog often has an energy boost that leads to zoomies.
- Stress reduction: After stressful experiences, such as visiting a vet or an unpleasant experience, the dog uses zoomies to reduce internal tensions.
- Fatigue: Especially in puppies, fatigue can lead to a hyperactive phase that is expressed in Zoomies.
- New environment: A change of the area, like a visit to the park or on the beach, can increase the excitement and trigger zoomies.
- Social interactions: The presence of other dogs or humans can also provide zoomies, since the dogs often absorb and reflect the energy of their surroundings.
Features of zoomies
During a zoomie attack, the dog usually shows the following behavior:
- High speed: It runs quickly and unpredictably.
- Playful behavior: The dog often initiates interactions in a playful way or tries to play with an object.
- Uncontrolled movements: He can jump over furniture or run around obstacles.
Security and handling of zoomies
It is important that the environment is safe for the dog when it has its zoomies. Objects should be removed that he could surround and smaller children should be protected. If a dog becomes too hectic during this “five minutes”, it makes sense:
- Talking to him comfortably,
- Lick him to get him out of the situation,
- Stroke him
- And to offer him a place to relax.
These “five minutes” in the dog are normal behavior and usually do not represent a reason for concern. They are an expression of its joy and excess energy. As long as the dog is in a safe environment and receives enough movement every day, these moments can be an entertaining and healthy way of just how the dog simply expresses its joie de vivre. (Stefan Richter)