Choosing the Perfect Lick Mat for Your Dog: A Complete Guide
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All You Need To Know About Lick Mats
If you’ve been a reader of my blog you know that I’m a big fan of lick mats, kongs and other “boredom busters”.
In this blog post I’m going to give you a brief low down on the basics of lick mats and the variations so you can find the perfect one for your dog.
What Are Lick Mats?
Lick mats are these mats, either rubber or silicone, that have this textured surface. The textured surface has bumps and grooves allowing for us to spread a stupendous combination of foods and treats on top.
The mats provide dogs with a stimulating activity that is sure to keep their focus.
These can be great boredom busters, methods of enrichment, ways to slow feed dogs, for feed more interesting and healthier snacks and so much more.
A very popular use I’ve seen is to make it a stimulating way for making dogs eat healthier foods on top of their regular diet.
I’ve found a lot of success is using these for crate and separation training and of course to provide enrichment and reduce boredom throughout the day too.
What Lick Mats Aren’t….
Even though I do love these “boredom busters” that’s exactly what they are.
A benefit of lick mats is that they are mentally stimulating but this is not going to be as stimulating as activities such as scatter feeding and things that can help properly fulfil a dog.
A lot of people substitute lick mats and mental stimulation toys instead of properly fulfilling a dog’s needs. This is something I’ve seen a lot with dogs with anxiety, owners constantly giving lick mats instead of providing the dog with what it needs.
Don’t get me wrong, lick mats are great additions you can add to your dogs daily of exercise and stimulation to add more enrichment into your dogs life.
Lick mats are not a fix for behavioural issues or to use as a substitute for proper exercise and stimulation.
Consider these as great options to add to your dogs daily routine to keep preoccupied, provide enrichment and reduce boredom.
Benefits of Lick Mats
Healthy Enrichment
Lick Mats are great to add to your dogs daily routine to add some extra enrichment. Explore a different combination of recipes that you can tailor to your dogs nutritional needs.
Reduces Stress and Frustration
Lick mats provide our dogs with something to do. By giving them something to focus on, a job, we are able to stimulate the mind and also help reduce stress and frustration.
Alleviates Boredom
Sometimes we can’t have our full attention on our dogs for a while (for example if you work from home, having a period of time without the dog is important). Maybe you’re cleaning the bathroom and need something to preoccupy our dogs.
Lick mats are great for keeping dogs preoccupied and reducing boredom.
Some dogs that are bored tend to find themselves things to do.
Preoccupy and Distract
Lick mats can be used in a number of situations where the dog may need to be distracted.
Lick mats can be used in situations such as grooming. For example you can get lick mats with suction cups that you can attach to the side of a bath to wash your dog
Soothes and Calms
The action of licking is naturally soothing and calming for dogs. The addition of the texture of the mat adds a stimulating sensation to the activity.
Lick mats can help calm and soothe in certain situations of mild stress such as crate training or in cases of fireworks.
Choosing The Perfect Lick Mat
The OG!
LickiMat Classic
You can’t go wrong with the classic! Multiple versions in different colours and with different surfaces to suit different food needs.
For Extra Stimulation!
LickiMat Soother
A more challenging design with additional bumps allowing for a more stimulating and soothing experience.
For The Heavy Chewer!
LickiMat Tuff
These lick mats are backed with plastic for dogs that may try chewing or eating the mat itself.
For The Fast Eaters!
LickiMat SloMo
Just like the tuff, this one too is backed with plastic. The SloMo is more designed as a slow feeder option.
For The Challenge Seekers!
LickiMat Wobble
The LickiMat wobble is taking a step in a new direction. This is a bowl with the textured surface inside. The additional wobble adds an extra challenge
The Distractor!
LickiMat Splash
Comes with an attachable suction cup which can be used on smooth surfaces. Perfect for keeping a dog relaxed, focused and distracted.
Interactive Food Bowl!
LickiMat Yoggie Pot
Is basically a food bowl that encourages repetitive licking and slow feeding.
Want Some Recipe Ideas? How About 24?
Wondering what you can put on your dogs lick mat? Check out my ultimate lick mat bundle with a 24 recipe eBook! Download free today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Final Thoughts
As you can see there are a number of choices when with different styles. Use this blog post to see which one will best fit your dogs needs, each can be used in different ways. Go ahead and try multiple styles today!
Leave your favourite styles and recommendations below! 👇🏾
