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Zoomies may sound like a ridiculous word to some, but it can be an everyday occurrence for pet owners.
Dr. Zac Pilossoph, a consulting veterinarian atHealthy Paws Pet Insurance, defines the zoomies as “a dog’s way of explaining they’re excited and happy, enough to want to show it.”
“It’s their best expression of being happy,” he told PEOPLE. “The term ‘zoomies’ is colloquial and describes behavior many pet parents have experienced. Still, yourdogcan get the zoomies during a few scenarios, like when an owner comes home or uses a favorite toy. The zoomies can best be defined as a dog’s most excited expression of happiness.”
To learn a bit more about what setspetsracing around the house and how pet parents can help turn a destructive case of the “zoomies” — which have been known to send breakables and people crashing to the ground — into a fun moment for all, PEOPLE talked to Dr. Pilossoph about this behavior.
Read on to learn more about what can send a dog orcatracing through the house and what it all means.
Zoomies aren’t actually bad
No, zoomies are a good sign, and it means your dog is happy! If you’re trying to help a dog be more obedient, you might want to set limits on “zoomies time” and have a training time. Give the dog time to run around, but make sure there’s time set aside for training. Zoomies mean your dog is happy and wants to be interactive, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
We see zoomies in young pups or higher-agility dogs, but it can also depend on a dog’s personality. My grandfather’s senior dog still gets the zoomies. Zoomies have to do with a dog’s personality — some are more enthusiastic, and some are docile. In general, age, breed type and personality will play a part in whether your dog gets the zoomies.
Zoomies are an expression of happiness
Yes, the zoomies are a sign of being happy. It’s not a bad thing, and it’s a sign that your dog is enjoying life. You want them to be able to express their happiness.
Declutter zoomies zone for safe fun
Try to understand your dog’s path. Dogs tend to have a routine when they get the zoomies and will remove clutter and any debris from the area. If the dog has joint pain or back issues, you might want to limit access to stairs and chairs that they jump on so they don’t injure themselves.
Make time for zoomies during the day
Give your dog time during the day to have fun, but also have their obedient time too. I would rather a dog be happy and exerting energy than be lazy and sad in their bed. If you give them a space that’s theirs, that’s free of clutter, it can help them have the zoomies safely. Zoomies let your dog get their energy out after being stuck inside all day.
Cats sometimes get the zoomies too
Some cats get excitation zoomies, but it’s from a predatory aspect, and they often like to express their zoomies using a toy they can chase, like a wand with feathers at the end or even a laser they can hunt. Cat zoomies can happen, but it’s a bit lesser known. Any exercise you can get in your cat is great. Like dogs, cats expressing the zoomies can also depend on the cat’s personality.
source: people.com
