Puppy Zoomies 2025: What They Mean & How to Handle Them 🏃♂️🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

🌿 Introduction: Fast, Furry, and Totally Normal

Puppy zoomies—aka frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs)—are sudden bursts of speed, excitement, and silliness. They’re hilarious, but also a sign your pup is processing big emotions or unmet needs. As a veterinarian, I see them as a healthy outlet when understood and handled well. 🚀

This guide covers:

• ✅ What causes puppy zoomies
• 🧰 When zoomies are normal vs. concerning
• 🔧 Safe ways to respond and redirect
  

1. What Are Zoomies? 🏃♂️

Zoomies are short bursts of explosive energy—often involving running in circles, darting around furniture, or spinning playfully. Puppies may get them after naps, baths, or just before bedtime. It’s a release of tension, excitement, or surplus energy. 🚗

2. When Are Zoomies Normal? When Are They Not? 😎

• 🟢 Normal: Evening zoomies, post-nap excitement, or joy after eating
• 🟡 Watch: If zoomies escalate into biting, knocking things over, or happen constantly
• 🔴 Concerning: If accompanied by fear, stress, limping, diarrhea, or obsessive patterns

3. How to Respond to Zoomies Safely 🧷

• 🐕 Provide a soft, open area for safe sprinting (no slippery floors!)
• 🧸 Redirect with fetch, tug, or chase toys from Woopf
• ⏱️ Anticipate triggers: Schedule active playtimes before bedtime or crate rest
  

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌

• ⛔ Chasing your puppy—it can turn chaotic fast
• 🚫 Yelling or grabbing—this increases arousal or fear
• ❤️ Ignoring patterns—recurrent zoomies often mean unmet needs

5. Final Thoughts 👩⚕️

Zoomies are part of puppyhood—natural, necessary, and often just plain funny. With some planning, a safe space, and a little redirection, they become moments of joy, not chaos. 🌿🐾