The surprising benefits of lick mats for your furry friends.
As dog owners, we all want the best for our furry companions.
We make sure they have nutritious food, plenty of exercise, and comfortable bedding.
However, have you considered incorporating a lick mat into your dog's routine?
Lick mats relatively new to the pet market, but they offer many benefits for our four-legged friends.
In this blog post, we'll explore why your dog needs a lick mat and how it can improve their overall well-being.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links (Amazon Associate or other programs we take part in). As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
What is a Lick Mat for Dogs
A lick mat is a textured, durable mat that you can fill with your dog's favorite treat or spread, such as peanut butter or yogurt.
The mat's unique design encourages your dog to lick small amounts of the treat through the mat's evenly placed grooves.
This slow and repetitive activity can have a calming effect on your dog and help them to relax.
Using a lick mat improves your dog's dental health by promoting saliva production, which can help prevent dental issues such as tartar buildup or bad breath.
Different Kinds Of Lick Mats
One of my dog's favorite lick mats is the Mighty Paw Dog Lick Pad. It's made of food-grade silicone, with heavy-duty suction cups that easily stick to any surface.
However, there are other favorite lick mats in all shapes and sizes.
- Bathing Lick Mats - bathing lick mats are perfect for both dogs and cats. This lick mat offers different textures, which also helps to slow down your dog's eating.
- Mighty Paw Lick Bowl - lick bowls are interactive. Great for anxiety, and boredom. These bowls, are approved by veterinarians for helping your dog stay calm.
- Paw Shaped Lick Mats - Dog distraction licking mat in the shape of a dog's paw. The pad releases endorphins for anxiety relief in dog's.
- Pizza Shaped Slow Feeder and Lick Mat Combination - This pizza shaped slow feeder and lick mat combines both a slow feeder and a lick mat. The slow feeder helps to slow down your dog's eating to prevent bloat, obesity and choking. Shaped like a pizza, the slow feeder has 6 big areas and 4 smaller areas for spreadable treats.
- Crate Training Doggie Lick Mat - This crate training dog lick mat attaches to a dog's wire crate which associates the crate with good feelings, calm and soothing experiences.
- Mess Free Lick Pad for Dogs - Neater Lick Mats is a solution to keeping your floor clean when using a lick mat.
1. Lick Mats prevent Boredom and Anxiety in Dogs
One simple and effective way to keep your furry friend occupied and happy is by incorporating a lick mat into your dog's routine.
As your dog licks these treats off the mat, their behavior shifts from anxious and bored to calm and engaged.
In fact, studies have shown that feeding from a lick mat can reduce anxiety in dogs by up to 63%.
Not only does a lick mat provide mental stimulation and entertainment for your dog, but it also promotes better oral hygiene by encouraging their natural licking behavior.
2. Lick Mats Encourage Good Grooming
One of the key advantages of using a lick mat for your dog is the texture of the lick mat itself.
The surface of a lick mat encourages dogs to groom themselves, which is an essential part of their hygiene routine.
Dog's have an instinct to groom themselves by licking their fur and paws, and the texture of a lick mat simulates this experience.
This helps your dog maintain a healthy coat by removing dead hair and dirt, and it can help prevent common skin conditions such as hot spots or matting.
The repetitive motion of licking the mat can be therapeutic for your dog, helping them relax and reduce stress levels.
Overall, the texture of a lick mat provides an effective and natural way to promote healthy grooming habits for your dog.
3. Lick Mats Keep Teeth and Gums Healthy
Dental health is crucial for dogs, and often overlooked by owners.
Even with regular brushing, dogs can suffer from plaque buildup and gum disease.
Lick mats are an effective and easy way to help maintain your dog's dental hygiene.
The repeated licking motion while using a lick mat can help to scrape away plaque and promote healthy gums.
The textured surface of the mat can also help to massage the gums, increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
4. The Variety of Lick Mats help Increase Engagement and Stimulation
One of the benefits of using a lick mat is the variety of mats available that help to increase engagement and stimulation.
With a plethora of textures, shapes, and sizes, dogs can experience different levels of sensory stimulation as they work to get their favorite treats.
The act of licking the grooves and ridges on the mat can provide a calming effect while also making sure they slow down and take their time to eat.
Plus, the variation in textures can keep your dog's interest piqued and prevent boredom.
5. Lick Mats are Easy to Clean and Store
If you're looking for a new way to stimulate your furry friend, consider investing in a lick mat.
Not only do they provide a fun and engaging way for your dog to use their senses, they also offer a number of practical benefits.
One of the major advantages of lick mats is how easy they are to clean and store.
Most lick mats are made of food-grade silicone, which makes them dishwasher safe and simple to wipe down after every use.
Plus their flat, compact design makes them easy to store in a kitchen or pantry when not in use.
This means you can keep your home tidy and free of clutter, while still providing your dog with a stimulating and beneficial activity.
6. Lick Mats Provide a Chew-Proof Alternative to Treats
Lick mats have become increasingly popular over the past few years as a healthy and safe option for dog owners looking to entertain our pups.
Unlike other treats that may pose a choking hazard or contribute to obesity, lick mats encourage dogs to engage in a natural and stimulating behavior; licking!
As an added bonus the textured surface of the mat provides a sensory experience that will mentally stimulate your dog and calm them down.
Plus their entertainment value, lick mats can be used as a tool to distract dogs during stressful situations, such as grooming or car rides.
With their chew-proof durability lick mats offer the perfect solution for dog owners looking to provide long-lasting and safe activity for dogs to enjoy.
7. Lick Mats can Reduce Bad Breath
Bad breath is a common issue among dog owners, and it can be difficult to eliminate completely.
While there are many products on the market that claim to help reduce bad breath, one unique solution is a lick mat.
By licking the mat, it can help to stimulate salvia production, which can help reduce bad breath.
Plus, the texture of the lick mat can help to remove plaque and food particles on your dogs teeth, reducing the likelihood of dental disease and contributing to overall oral hygiene.
Incorporating a weekly lick mat into your dog's routine can be an easy and effective way to help reduce bad breath and promote oral health.
8. Using Lick Mats to Reinforce Good Behavior
Did you know that lick mats can be used as a reward system to reinforce good behaviors in your dog.
As your dog licks the mat for food or treats, they engage in a calming activity that effectively promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
The act of licking releases endorphins that produce a calming effect that can make your dog feel happier and content.
By using lick mats as a reward, the positive behavior can be reinforced and establish a beneficial routine for both you and your dog.
Overall, using a lick mat as a reward system can provide enormous benefits for your furry friend, creating a healthy and well-behaved dog.
What to Put on Lick Mats for Dogs
- Peanut Butter - Xylitol Free
- Applesauce
- Baby food
- Canned wet dog food
- Greek Yogurt
- Cottage Cheese
- Meet Broth
- Veggie Puree
- Fruit Puree
- Pure Pumpkin - You'll want the can that says 100% pure pumpkin
- Mashed bananas
Final Thoughts on Why your Dog needs a Lick Mat
Lick mats offer multiple benefits to your furry friend.
Not only can it provide mental stimulation, but it can also improve their dental health, decrease anxiety, and reduce destructive behavior.
By using a lick mat, you can give your dog a safe and fun activity they will enjoy.
So, next time you want to keep your pooch entertained, consider giving them a lick mat and watch them enjoy their tasty treat without any worries.
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