Bathing your own dog at home is a task many pet owners take on, though some prefer professional groomers to handle the mess, stress, and effort. Regardless of where your dog is bathed, you've probably noticed them behaving wildly or playfully shortly after the session. This energetic behaviour, often called 'zoomies', is a familiar phenomenon for many dog owners, but have you ever wondered why it happens?
Unlike humans who are accustomed to regular showers or baths, dogs typically don’t experience bathing in the wild. When they do get wet, it’s usually incidental or for play rather than hygiene. Being placed in a bath, washed with water and shampoo, brushed, and dried—especially with a hairdryer—represents a novel and sometimes stressful experience for them. The feeling of being wet and the unfamiliar handling can make dogs uneasy and alert.
If your dog gets loopy after baths or grooming, it's important to let them express their feelings safely. Provide a secure, open space where they can run and shake without slipping or injuring themselves. This energetic behaviour usually subsides after a short while as your dog calms down and gets used to their fresh coat.
Responsible pet ownership means accepting and understanding these natural behaviours without embarrassment or frustration, helping to maintain a positive bathing experience for both you and your dog.
Dogs often get hyperactive after baths or grooming due to a mix of joy, relief, nervous energy release, physical instincts, and scent changes. Recognising that this behaviour is perfectly normal helps owners provide a safe environment for their pets to burn off energy after grooming. Remember, regular, gentle handling combined with positive experiences will make bath time less stressful over time.