Dog Lick Mats: What Are They and Why We Love Them

Dog Lick Mats: What Are They and Why We Love Them

Dog lick mats are an effortless and enjoyable method of mentally engaging our pups. Dogs are smart creatures, so they need an abundance of activities that challenge them physically and mentally. Without an outlet for their energy, pups with high energy levels may exhibit harmful behaviors like chewing and jumping.

As pet parents, we love dog lick mats! They provide the mental stimulation that our furry friends need—in a simple and convenient manner!

What Are Dog Lick Mats?

Lick mats have textured grooves and surfaces with non-toxic materials like rubber and silicon. They provide entertainment and mental stimulation and are a great way to distract your dog. 

Plus, they make a rewarding treat that pups love since you can easily spread wet dog foods like yogurt and peanut butter! This makes lick mats a favorite among pups and food-motivated dogs, keeping them occupied and satisfied.

Are Lick Mats Good For Dogs?

Mental Stimulation

A lick mat is a great way to entertain dogs and provide valuable mental enrichment. The different textures offer a unique challenge that dogs enjoy. These mats encourage dogs to be creative and persistent in retrieving their treats.

Mental stimulation helps prevent boredom in dogs, which often leads to destructive behaviors. Lick mats offer a rewarding and enjoyable activity that promotes problem-solving skills and cognitive development. 

Anxiety Reduction

The repetitive licking and sniffing behavior associated with using a lick mat is calming for dogs with separation anxiety. This is because it helps release endorphins, which is the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This soothing effect makes lick mats an effective positive reinforcement strategy for managing anxiety in dogs.

Slow Feeding

Using a frozen lick mat encourages slow feeding in dogs. This makes it beneficial for dogs that quickly gulp down their food and get an upset stomach. Slow feeding aids digestion by breaking down food more effectively and minimizing the risk of bloating and gas.

It helps manage the release of digestive enzymes, making it easier for your pup to absorb nutrients. Additionally, it can prevent overeating and aid in weight management, as the longer eating process helps dogs feel full and satisfied with smaller portions.

Dental Health

Incorporating a lick mat into your dog’s routine can also support their oral health. The textured surface on a dog lick mat promotes better oral hygiene. As your dog licks the mat, the various textures help clean their tongue and teeth by gently scraping away food particles and bacteria.

This repetitive licking action stimulates saliva production, which is beneficial because saliva contains enzymes that naturally help reduce plaque buildup and combat bad breath. Additionally, the increased saliva flow helps wash away debris from the mouth, contributing to healthier gums and fresher breath. 

Distraction

Dog lick mats can be incredibly useful during grooming, bathing, or other potentially stressful situations for your pup. Spreading a favorite treat on the mat can effectively distract and calm your dog, making these experiences more manageable and less stressful for both of you.

What Dog Lick Mat Should I Get?

When selecting a dog lick mat, consider your dog’s size and needs. Choose a mat that fits your dog comfortably, whether it’s a puppy or a larger breed. Additionally, choose a lick mat that is convenient and easy to use, like dishwasher-safe mats that are easy to clean by hand, so you can quickly get them fresh and ready for your dog’s next treat time.

Flat Mats

Simple, flat mats with textures and grooves, like the LickiMat Tuff, are great for quick and easy treats for pups. LickiMat offers different mats with different textures that you can choose from, depending on what your pup needs. This heavy-duty option is ideal for heavy chewers, offering durability and resistance to chewing. Since these are flat mats, you can place them on the floor whenever it’s time for your dog’s treat or as a reward for good behavior. 

Crate Lick Mats

Lick mats with a built-in function to be placed on crates are a great choice for crate-training your pup. The CIICII Lick mat has a knob on the bottom that allows you to attach it to your dog’s crate. You can simply place the mat inside the crate, stick it on the crate walls, and encourage your pup to go inside for his treat.

Lick Cups 

Lick mats in cup form, such as the LICKIMAT Yoggie Pot, offer a unique design while serving the same purpose as traditional mats. These portable options are versatile and designed for home and on the go. Their cup-like shape makes them perfect for car rides or outdoor trips, so you can keep your dog mentally stimulated and happy wherever you go.

Lick Bowls 

A slow feeder bowl like the Slowdown Bowl is a must-have if your pup struggles with digestive issues or tends to gulp food quickly. These bowls feature raised sides like traditional dog bowls but also include raised ridges inside. These ridges force your dog to eat more slowly, as they must navigate their food around and between the ridges to access it.

Tips:

• Choose freezer-safe lick mats: Instead of spreading wet foods to the lick mat and giving them to your pup immediately, freezing the lick mat will make the treat last longer.
• Supervise your dog: Ensure you monitor your dog when giving them their lick mat, especially during the first few times, so you can be assured that they are using it correctly. Don’t leave a lick mat with your dog for a long time after they have finished their food since they might end up chewing on it and swallowing chewed parts. 
• Get a dishwasher-safe lick mat: Since lick mats tend to have small grooves and ridges, they can be time-consuming to clean. Choose a mat to toss in the dishwasher to save time. 
• Get lick mats with suction cups: Aside from the grippy silicon material, suction cups provide an additional grip. This allows your dog to lick their treats without the mat moving all over the floor and creating a mess. Suction cups also allow you to stick the matt on the wall when bathing or grooming your dog.