The Pawesome Power of Lick Mats: Why Your Dog Needs One!

Are you looking for a simple yet effective way to engage and delight your furry friend? Look no further than the humble lick mat! These flat mats, often known as lick mats, have gained popularity for their ability to provide a myriad of benefits for your beloved canine companion.

Lick mats are specially designed with ridges and brittles that encourage your dog to lick their surface repeatedly. By offering a unique licking experience, these mats offer more than just a tasty treat. Let’s explore the numerous benefits they provide:

1. Calm & Soothe: The act of licking is innately pleasurable for dogs. It stimulates the release of endorphins, also known as the happiness hormone, which helps to calm and soothe your pet. Lick mats can serve as a wonderful distraction in moderately stressful situations, such as when you leave the house or when unfamiliar guests visit.
2. Beats Boredom and Enriches Lives: Lickimats come in various designs, each offering a different level of challenge. While most lick mats provide a fun and stimulating activity for your dog, certain models like the Wobble are specifically designed to combat boredom. The Wobble rolls around, challenging your dog to lick the treat spread inside, ensuring hours of entertainment and mental stimulation.
3. Slows Down Eating: Does your dog gulp down food within seconds? Lick mats can help with that too! The flat surface of the mat prevents dogs from grabbing the food with their teeth, forcing them to use their tongues instead. This slow, deliberate eating pace not only aids digestion but also reduces the risk of bloat, a common condition associated with fast eating.
4. Supports Oral Health: The textured grooves and soft brittles on a lick mat work wonders for your dog’s oral health. As your dog licks the mat, it scrapes their tongue, effectively removing particles and bacteria. This promotes healthier gums and teeth, ensuring a happier and healthier smile for your furry friend.

Taking care of your lick mat is a breeze. Most mats are dishwasher safe, while others may require gentle handwashing. A brush and dishwashing detergent or a soak in warm, soapy water will do the trick, especially if you’ve used sticky spreads like peanut butter.

When introducing your dog to a lick mat, supervision is key, at least until they are familiar with it. Some dogs might mistake the mat for a chew toy, so it’s essential to monitor their behavior initially.

Now, let’s talk about the exciting part: choosing the best food to spread on your lick mat. With a little creativity, you can provide a variety of delicious options:

• Wet food
• Yoghurt
• Minced meat
• Peanut butter
• Canned fish (sardines, salmon)
• Pureed vegetables (pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots)
• Bone broth

Remember, a lick mat is not only a source of entertainment and mental stimulation for your dog but also a wonderful tool for strengthening the bond between you and your four-legged companion. So, why wait? Treat your pup to the joy of a lick mat and watch them experience a world of licking happiness!

Do you have any experiences or tips to share about using lick mats with your dog? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Also, we do offer lick mats in our store:

Happy licks and wagging tails,
The Beagle Babies