Why do dogs run around so much?
(WHTM) – If you have a dog, you may notice that they sometimes have a burst of energy and run around for seconds or minutes at a time. Why do they do that?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), also known as zoomies, are completely normal in dogs. This is when the dog has explosive energy and starts running around, running in circles, or simply running back and forth.
These FRAPs are nothing to worry about, according to the AKC. A common cause of this behavior is an excess of energy that dogs hold on to and release in a big burst.
Zoomies only last a few seconds to a few minutes before your puppy gets tired and goes to rest. Purina says zoomies become less common as your dog ages.
Aside from dogs releasing pent-up energy, FRAPs can also be caused by certain situations:
- After bathing
- Purina says a dog may get a FRAP because he’s relieved to be out of the bathroom or just needs to dry off.
- After eating
- If your dog loves food, he may get a FRAP right after eating.
- Before going to bed
- Purina says they may need to release some energy before calling it a day.
FRAP behavior is not harmful in itself, but can be dangerous if the dog suffers a FRAP in a cluttered space, as he may run into things or lose traction when walking on a very slippery surface. If your dog experiences FRAP, make sure you take the dog to an open area.
So if your dog starts running around crazy, there is no need to worry. They are just their own canine selves!
