Why Is My Puppy So Hyper at Night?

When your puppy becomes hyper at night, it's most likely due to a lack of exercise and mental stimulation during the day. 

It's both entertaining and perplexing to see those crazy-eyed puppies zooming around in the middle of the night. 

The real horror movie starts when you realize that you have to get up early in the morning or when your pup comes dangerously close to breaking something. 

Then you begin to wonder, “Why is my puppy so hyper at night?” Luckily, hyperactivity at night in dogs is a common and manageable behavior.

What Makes My Puppy Overly Active at Night?

Your little pal is simply engaging in a common behavior known scientifically as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs). 

This behavior is also known by several other names, including “zoomies” and “midnight madness.” 

The thing is, your puppy isn't possessed or anything; he's just releasing pent-up energy. 

He'll let it out by running around in circles, sprinting in the apartment, or leaping from one piece of furniture to the other. 

We can't say there's a specific reason why zoomies occur. However, it appears to be an effective method for dogs to: 

1. Unleash Stored Energy

When your little buddy doesn’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation during the day, he’ll most likely engage in frapping.

This is particularly the case if you leave your puppy alone or crated during the day.

When he finally gets the chance to play, he’ll put on the “Sonic the hedgehog” hat and start zooming to release the stored energy. 

Although zoomies are more common in puppies, they can also happen to your adult dog if he doesn't let off some steam during the day.

2. Relieve Stress 

FRAPs can also happen after your pup has experienced a stressful situation. He’ll use it to relieve tension in the same way that he uses it to release energy. 

For example, if your doggo has just returned from an unpleasant vet visit or a bath, he may engage in zoomies to shake off the tension.

3. Let Out Excitement

When your furball becomes overly excited, he'll release this excitement by frapping.

He’ll start zooming whenever you return home, get out his favorite toy, or something thrilling happens. 

Some puppies will even get the zoomies just by seeing their meal, such as Labrador Retrievers, a breed that adores food!

Do FRAPs Indicate Health Issues?

Generally, frapping doesn't indicate any health issues in your pup, so it's usually harmless. 

Nonetheless, if your mama bear instinct detects anything abnormal, there are two things to keep an eye on:

1. Frapping Rate

It's okay if your fueled furball goes crazy every now and then when he's understimulated. What’s concerning is seeing him zooming most of the time. 

In this case, you should consult with your veterinarian because he may be suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

Dogs suffering from OCD exhibit symptoms similar to zooming, such as:

• Tail chasing
• Spinning 
• Pacing

2. Physical Signs While Frapping

Normal zooming is a very enjoyable time for puppies. It's even reflected in their body language. 

During a typical episode, your pup's tail will either be in fan mode or tucked down slightly. 

In both cases, he'll appear to be having a good time and when the episode comes to a close, he'll look relaxed and content.

Whereas, if your dog shows signs of pain or anxiety during a zooming episode, it's most likely not a happy one. 

If your puppy shows the following signs while zooming, you should contact your veterinarian as your doggo may be in distress:

• Being fearful and nervous
• His body is tense rather than loose
• Pushing his ears back against his head
• Tucking his tail up to his belly
• He's still tense after he’s done zooming

How Can I Keep My Puppy Calm at Night?

Three things can assist in reducing your puppy’s zooming episodes:

1. Participate in Physical Activities

Make sure your puppy gets some exercise during the day so he won't have excess energy to burn off at night. 

You have to walk him and give him playtime even if you're crate training him, especially if your buddy is a member of an active breed.

For example, a Doberman is very energetic and requires lots of exercise.

2. Provide Mental Stimulation

That little Einstein you have over there needs to have his mind challenged, not just his body, so he doesn't get bored. 

Here are five ideas to keep your puppy mentally active:

1. Start training him and teach him new tricks
2. Play a game of “hide and seek”
3. Take him for a walk in a new area and let him explore it
4. Hide treats around the room, leaving him to find them
5. Purchase some puppy puzzle toys
6. Limit Late-Night Meals

Puppies' main hobby is peeing or pooping, and because they do it frequently, we try to limit it at night. 

Feeding your pup a meal at night will increase his frequency of bathroom visits. Consequently, you'll increase his likelihood of losing interest in sleep and becoming active.

Moreover, for food-loving dog breeds, the excitement and energy they receive from food can make them quite energetic.

What Should I Do When My Puppy Gets Zoomies?

Fortunately, frapping is usually only a few minutes long. However, there are three tips that'll help your pup and you come out of it in one piece:

1. Redirect to a Safer Location 

While a dog is zooming, it can be tricky to get his attention with verbal commands. If he begins frapping in a room with fragile items or a slick floor, try to redirect him with motion. 

For instance, run to the area you want him to go to or throw his toy there to tempt him to move in that direction.

2. Bring Him to an Outdoor Fenced Area

If your puppy began his exotic dance outside, make sure it's in a fenced-in area. Otherwise, it's best to keep him on a leash, even if he's in your yard. 

In case your doggo escapes while frapping, don't chase him down. He'll think you're playing with him and keep running. 

If your verbal commands fail to get his attention, try showing him that you're playing and want him to run after you. 

When he does, keep running until you can either lead him inside or you can grab him if you believe he’s close enough to catch.

3. Keep Him Hydrated

After zooming, make sure your pup gets enough water, especially in hot weather. After all, frapping is a strenuous activity, and your dog may become overheated. 

You should also be aware that some breeds are more prone to heatstroke than others, so be extra careful if you own one of them.

Paul S.

Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament.com readers with the best answers to their questions.