The Best Lick Mats for Dogs
Licking often goes hand and hand with dogs. Dogs engage in licking for various reasons, including self-soothing, grooming, and showing affection. However, sometimes the licking can be a little too much. That's when lick mats for dogs can help. From calming anxiety to alleviating boredom, lick mats are a simple way to keep your pup occupied and reduce problematic behaviors. With so many lick mats available, finding the right on for your pet can be challenging. To help you with your search, we've rounded up some of the best lick mats on the market.
What to Look For
We recommend keeping the following three things in mind when shopping for a lick mat for your dog: Is it made of durable, non-toxic material? Does the design suit the needs of your dog? Is the size appropriate for your pet? Our favorite was the lick mat from MateeyLife, which has 77 suction cups to ensure it stays in place and helps improve digestion by encouraging slow eating. We also really liked the lick mat from Lukito, which is highly durable and has several textured surfaces. Read on to learn more about our top picks and discover the right one for your pup.
MateeyLife Boredom Reducer Dog Lick Mat
Happy place
Whether you have an anxious pup or a dog that gets bored quickly, this dog lick mat from MateeyLife can help. You can slather all types of goodies on this mat and sit back and watch as your pet licks it up. The suction cups on the back of the mat allow you to stick it to different surfaces around the house. Plus, the constant licking helps distracts and soothe pups, making this licking pat an excellent option for times you have to leave your furry friend alone.
Pros:
- Made of non-toxic food-grade silicone
- Four sections with four different textures
- Dishwasher safe
- Helps relieve separation anxiety
Cons:
- Suction cups are very strong, making them hard to remove from surfaces
Lukito Calming Slow Feeder Dog Lick Mat
Lots of licks
If you need a fun way to keep your dog busy, this lick mat from Lukito is worth checking out. The mat is divided into four sections with unique textures and patterns for applying spreadable treats to keep your pup occupied and entertained. It has a non-slip design and heavy-duty suction cups to ensure it doesn’t slide around while your dog is licking.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Interesting textures to keep dogs entertained
- Can be used for frozen treats
- Firm grip for smooth surfaces
Cons:
- May slide around on hardwood floors
Lickimat Anxiety Reducer Dog Lick Mat
Lap it up
Turn feeding time into fun time with this dog lick mat in the shape of a bowl from Lickimat. It offers the same benefits as traditional lick mats in a bowl format. It’s a great option for energetic eaters, as it slows them down and makes it challenging for them to gulp down food. Plus, its dimpled surface encourages pups to keep licking until they’ve cleaned their dish.
Pros:
- Doesn’t sit flat, forcing dogs to work to get all the treats
- Lick mat and puzzle in one
- Available in multiple colors
- Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe
Cons:
- Has a strong rubber odor
Aquapaw Stimulation Toy Dog Lick Mat
Bathtime fun
Keeping a dog still during bathtime is one of the owners’ most challenging responsibilities. This dog lick mat from Aquapaw seeks to make this task easier by keeping your pup occupied while you lather them up and groom them. The mat’s unique design and suction cups make it easy to attach it to vertical surfaces in showers or car windows.
Pros:
- Makes it easy to keep pets distracted while you work
- Helps alleviate bathtime anxiety
- Keeps dogs on their feet while being groomed
- Chew-resistant design
Cons:
- Difficult to clean
Hyper Pet IQ Treat Puzzle Dog Lick Mat
Soothing surface
If your pup is anxious or gets stressed out easily, this dog lick mat from Hyper Pet can help. The two-pack comes with mats with distinct patterns, allowing you to choose which works best for your dog, depending on the situation. Sniffing and licking the mat while exploring its different textures helps calm pets and keep them distracted.
Pros:
- Helps redirect unwanted behaviors
- Easy to spread goodies onto it
- Encourages slow feeding
- Keeps bored dogs busy
Cons:
- No suction cups on the bottom of the mat
What types of food can I use on my dog’s licking mat?
You can use almost any type of soft food that spreads easily on your dog’s licking mat. Be sure to choose the healthy foods your pup craves. A few dog-friendly snacks that work well on lick mats include yogurt, fish paste, baby food, peanut butter, and canned dog food. Check the ingredient list before applying food to your dog’s mat to ensure it doesn’t contain toxic ingredients that could upset your pup’s stomach.
How do lick mats help dogs with anxiety?
When dogs lick a surface, they secrete endorphins, which can help calm them when they feel stressed or uneasy about something. This is why you’ll often see dogs engaging in repeated licking behaviors as a form of self-soothing when they’re uncomfortable.
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