Why do dogs go crazy after a bath
Why Do Dogs Go Crazy After a Bath? 5 Reasons for Mad Zoomies!
My dog is crazy at the best of times, after all hes a French Bulldog; a breed renowned for getting the zoomies. But theres one thing to guarantee him taking the craziness to the next level, and thats after hes had a bath.
If you have seen the same with your dog, then here Ive attempted to give the best answer to why some dogs go crazy after a bath with the zoomies: theres never been a scientific study, so a lot of this is based on what we can only assume.
Why do dogs go crazy after a bath? Some dogs go mad and crazy after a bath to shake off water. Others do it to get rid of new clean scents from the bath, to rid themselves of nervous energy, relief because they hate baths, or because they associate water with play.
Thats the short answer, and in truth, it doesnt tell you half the story. Keep reading to find out why dogs go mad after a bath, and what the bath-times zoomies mean.
Why do dogs get zoomies after a bath?
Scroll down to see the most obvious reasons why dogs get the zoomies after a bath. But first of all, we need to uncover what is known about the zoomies.
If you didnt know, its that frenetic activity after a bath of running like crazy, in circles, and up on furniture that you see your dog do after getting wet. The official name for the zoomies is Frenetic Random Activity Periods, or the FRAPs for short.
There are no current studies into the zoomies, but heres what Marc Bekoff, a professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado says:
Zoomies are high-energy bursts of activity in which a dog looks he is possessed, after which they often lie down exhausted as if theyve run a marathon. On these zoomies, some dogs chase their tail until they spin so fast, they fall over, only to do it again and again, some dash here and there but somehow seem to know the dimensions of their body and rarely run into an object.
Reasons your dog goes crazy after a bath
Now you know what zoomies are, heres all the reasons why your dog goes crazy after a bath or getting wet with the FRAPs or zoomies.
1. Dogs go crazy to get dry
One of the most obvious reasons for dogs to go crazy with the zoomies after a bath will be to dry themselves off.
This is the aspect of bath-time I hate most with our dog, as no matter how much we towel him down, he does that crazy shake. Water gets everywhere, but you cant really blame him.
Some dogs might go mad too if they have water in their ears. They cant get a towel or finger in their ear like we do, so an almighty run around and shake could be the best way to get the fluid out.
2. Dogs go crazy to get rid of strange smells and scents
You probably know this, but dogs like the smelly stuff. If theres something smelly, they will roll it. My dog loves rolling in fox poop, does yours?
The bottom line is dogs like being smelly.
So, when you bathe them with all that dog-friendly shampoo its going to get rid of all the smells they like, replacing it with scents they probably dont!
Its no wonder they then run around like mad! They want these new nice smells to go, and the old stinky smells to come back!
3. Dogs go crazy with relief if they hate baths
My friend said this to me when I said I was writing this article.
My dog hates me after bath time, she goes crazy, acts aggressive, runs around, then looks depressed afterwards.
I can only think then, that for this dog, going crazy and mad after a bath is to help release nervous energy after being washed. Not all dogs like baths, so in this case it could be that the dog is so relieved afterwards she needs to run about like mad.
4. Dogs go crazy with fun and happiness
When you see a classic case of the zoomies with lots of playful elements added, it could be that your dog associates getting wet with water with play. Most dogs encounter water like this outdoors, and typically in a fun environment.
That could be water play in the garden, a day at the beach, or being squirted with a hose. Getting in the bath could give them that same association, perhaps bringing them joy.
If thats the case with your pup, its no wonder your dog goes crazy after getting wet at bath time.
Handy Hint: What is it about mud that dogs love so much they want to lay and roll about in it so much?
5. Dogs go crazy because of the way you react
Dogs are very simple creatures. They want to please us humans, and theres even some suggestion they might consider us to be their parents.
What do young kids like to do (most of the time anyway)? Thats right; please their parents.
And thats why some dogs might go mad after having baths because youve reacted in a way they think is fun at a bath before.
Let me explain a bit better. Perhaps when your dog was a puppy and you have them their first bath, they leapt out, started shaking, and then ran off as you tried to catch them.
Your dog now associates bath times with fun chasing games like this. Its no wonder they get the zoomies after a bath is it?
Heres what a dog could be thinking:
Well, I did the mad running about last time and all the humans started laughing and shouting. They then chased me, it was great fun, so lets do it again!
Is it dangerous for dogs to go mad after a bath?
Almost all dogs get the zoomies. Puppies are the most notorious for it. What you will notice is that they can run around like mad, jumping of the bed and nearly bouncing into walls, but they never seem to hit anything.
That doesnt mean they cant injure themselves when they run like crazy, but most dogs seem to have an awareness of the space around them to not get hurt.
However, do keep an eye out. Heres what the professor I quoted earlier says when he was asked whether it was safe for dogs to have the zoomies indoors:
My answer is always something like, yep, as long as youre sure that she or he wont harm themselves or others and its done in a safe area. And its essential for a human to know their dog and to remain alert when either the dog or other individuals are in the path of a frapper fugue and potentially can be harmed. (view source)
With regards zoomies being a potential health concern, heres what the American Kennel Club say about them:
Zoomies are a natural dog behavior that is most often no cause for alarm, so long as your pup has room to run without injuring themselves. However, constant zoomies may be a sign of a larger behavioral problem, so its a good idea to keep tabs on how often your dog is zooming and for what reasons. (view source)
My dog is depressed after a bath
If you are seeing depression and even aggression after a bath, it has to be that the frenetic behavior is related to stress. If that is the case, perhaps baths arent a good idea for your dog.
Conclusion
Its perfectly normal dogs to run about like crazy after a bath. Ive listed the most likely reasons why it happens, so its up to you to decide whether its due to fear or fun, then react accordingly.
It could be that you need to re-think how you bathe your dog!
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If you need a bit of help with your dog at bath time, the following guides could help.
4 Reasons Your Dog Goes Crazy After a Bath
The zoomies. The post-bath crazies. Energy burst. Whatever you call it, youve probably experienced it: your dog goes nuts running around your house or yard after a bath. Its fun to watch (as long as you dont get a lap-full of wet dog on accident), but its also a little weird, right? Why does your dog go crazy after a bath? Were no doggy psychologists, but weve been around enough canines to have a few ideas.
Your Dogs Thoughts After a Bath
Whether you bathe your dog monthly or once a quarter, they probably arent overly fond of the entire process. Afterward, they release some of that nervous energy and rub their wet fur all over the furniture, almost appearing to be performing some wild GET THIS STUFF OFF ME dance. Whats going through your dogs mind?
Im so glad thats over!
One of the first reasons your dog could be going crazy after a bath is the relief. Most dogs dont love getting a bath, and even if they do, theyre ready to be free from the confinement of a tub after a good scrub-down. Your dog may be so pleased to be free from bath time that shell release all her energy in one burst of pure joy. Zoom!
What is this awful smell?!
If youve ever watched a dog roll around to apply a thick coating of animal feces perfume, you know this universal truth: dog noses and human noses dont agree on what smells good. You think your pup smells like vanilla and citrusahhhh, lovelyafter a bath, but he thinks he smells downright awful. A dog will do his level best to get rid of the new smell and return to his favorite muskpoop, dirt, grass, and doggie.
Im WET!
Maybe the simplest answer to this question is the most obvious: your dog knows a little air, and some rubbing against the furniture or grass will get her dry faster. Theres a chance that what looks like a frantic burst of energy to us is just the equivalent of a towel-down to our dogs.
This was fun last time, so
Finally, the zoomies after bath time could be a combination of all these reasons, plus one more: routine. Puppies and dogs, in general, tend to have periodic bursts of energy, and they tend to happen at regular intervals. For instance, you may have noticed your dog wants to wrestle or run around the yard every night after dinner. The post-bath crazies could be just a habitual release of all that doggie energy, and since you laughed and played along last time, your dog is ready to party again.
As always, if youre concerned about your dogs behavior or health, or if you have any questions about caring for your pet, were always available. Bring Fido in for a checkup and make sure youre getting in annual exams and dental care. To schedule an appointment today, contact us.
Why Do Dogs Go Crazy After a Bath?
Why Do Dogs Go Crazy After a Bath?
Last updated on By Puppy Leaks 28 Comments
Does your dog go crazy after a bath? If so youre certainly not alone.
Ive yet to find a dog owner that hasnt experienced their dog frantically running and rolling around right after bath time. What is it about those moments after a bath that make our dogs go crazy? Why do dogs go crazy and get the zoomies after a bath?
Why Do Dogs Go Crazy After a Bath?
Why exactly do dogs go crazy after a bath anyway? You know what Im taking about when I say crazy, right?
That post bath craziness where your dog runs around all over the house that excitement our dogs get when theyre finally free of the bath. They seem to undergo some sort of temporary insanity as soon as theyre let loose. Its usually pretty endearing; it always puts a smile on my face to see my dog experiencing boundless joy.
Some call it the zoomies, some call it the rips, and some professionals that are much smarter than I am call it by the scientific term FRAPS (frantic random activity periods).
Most dogs dislike the bath, and one of the main reasons why dogs go crazy after their bath is because theyre relieved that its finally over. Running around with the zoomies is a quick way to release all that pent up energy, and shows how happy they are that bath time is finally over.
Post Bath Zoomies Are More Than Just Relief
But relief isnt the only reason dogs go insane after a bath. The most common reasons for why dogs go crazy after a bath are:
- Relief that bath time is over
- Theyre getting their own scent back
- Theyre trying to dry off
- Theyre releasing pent up energy
- Theyre trying to get rid of water in their ears
Dogs Are Showing Relief That The Bath Is Over
Even if your have a water loving Lab chances are hes not too fond of bath time. Theres something about bath time that makes most dogs pout. My dog Laika loves lakes, rivers, creeks, mud, and the sprinkler she loves the water except when it comes to getting a bath. I make it as easy and calming as possible for her and yet she still gives me the sad puppy dog eyes.
Many dogs feel restrained and stressed when being bathed. They may tolerate it but its not something theyre eager to do. When theyre finally able to jump out of that tub its as if theyre experiencing pure freedom. No longer held back by you (their evil shampoo wielding owner) they are free, and with that feeling comes excitement.
Imagine youve just done something you were terrified of whether thats sky diving or riding in that scary elevator at work thats always breaking down when youre done you often feel a sense of adrenaline. Its a rush of excitement if you were able to conquer that then you can do anything.
Many people speculate dogs experience a similar level or excitement and exhilaration once theyre freed from the tub. It might be the pent up nervous energy or it might just be a sense of freedom. Whatever it is the end result is usually the same; no holds barred zoomies.
Dogs Are Trying to Get Their Own Scent Back After a Bath
You may love the smell of your dogs shampoo, but chances are Fido might not be so keen on it. Dogs sense of smell is way better than ours -at least 10,000 times more acute than a humans.
After your dog is bathed theyre covered in a whole new scent one they might not be happy with. Dogs love rolling in all sorts of gross stuff, and dogs certainly dont mind smelling like dogs.
Dogs masking their scent with dirt, carcasses, and poop is natural, as its a behavior that helped their ancestors sneak up on prey for thousands of years. Its called scent rolling and its also served as a way for wolves to bring back information to the pack. Its a simple way to tell everyone hey, look where Ive been or hey, check out this awesome gnarly thing I found and rolled around in.
Rolling around and rubbing against everything in the house after a bath is a quick way for dogs to get some of their distinctive scent back. After all it took them a while to come up with such a unique scent, and you just undid all their hard work. I mean I know love the smell of Oatmeal shampoo more than dirt, but my dog strongly disagrees.
All That Zooming After a Bath Helps Dry Them Off
Unless youre using a professional dryer chances are your dogs still going to be damp after a bath, even after going through six or seven towels. And yes Im sure like me youve been the victim of getting soaked by the dog shake many times. I think of that as their own form of justice, and Im sure in their mind its well deserved.
When your dog is let loose after a bath you might observe him rolling around on the ground. Its just another way for dogs to dry off. After my dog has a bath shell run around the house and start rubbing her body up against the furniture. She also does it after she comes in from the rain, and its just a way for her to help dry off.
Although dogs might be trying to dry after off after a bath, I do find it weird that Ive never seen my dog get the zoomies after swimming outdoors.
Dogs Are Releasing Pent Up Energy After a Bath
Many dogs tolerate baths although they probably dont love them. They do a pretty good job of trusting us and sitting still through the whole ordeal, though bath time stresses out many dogs.
If youre placed in a stressful situation your mind doesnt stop youre just waiting for it to be over. Your body might be wanting to flee and yet youre having to tell your brain to stay; this can lead to a lot of pent up energy. Well our dogs do the same thing, and that helps explain why they go nuts after a bath.
Dogs have nervous energy that gets pent up as well, and bath time is a common trigger. And once that stressful bath is over youll see it being released. Once theyre finally free from the tub they often exhibit the zoomies or FRAPS (frenetic random activity periods). My dog starts zooming around as soon as she gets out of the bath, and its quite fun to see her getting all that energy out by running circles around the house.
Dogs love a good massage or petting but most dont enjoy bath time, even if they love the water. They love your attention but hate the tub so what do they do?
My dog Laika not only gets a crazy case of zoomies after each bath, she also gets all giddy & excited. Shell give me the play bow and bring me her favorite toy. All that excessive playful & hyper behavior does make me wonder if post bath time is perfect for releasing all that pent up energy.
Dogs May Have Water in Their Ears After a Bath
One other reason dogs go crazy after a bath is because the may be trying to get rid of water in their ears. If your dog buries his head into towels or onto the carpet after bath she may be trying to get rid of some of that water.
After coming in from the rain my dog Laika will often rub her head up against furniture or anything dry she can find. Because her ears are upright they have a tendency to get a lot of water in there. When its obviously bothering her Ill take a dry towel and gently pat the inside of her ears.
Does Your Dog Go Crazy After a Bath?
Laika goes nuts after every bath, no matter how short and sweet we make it those post bath zoomies remain constant. Theres something so enjoyable seeing her whip around the house like a madman afterwards. Witnessing that amount of pure joy and excitement puts a smile on my face every time.
How about your dog? Does your dog go crazy after a bath? Does your dog go nuts after they get wet? Does your dog get the zoomies and run around the house like a maniac after bath time?
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