You may have seen lick mats in stores or online and wondered if they’re actually worth buying for your pup. These mats are becoming increasingly popular among dog owners, for good reason. Lick mats aren’t just another way for your pup to eat a treat; these nifty inventions benefit your furry friend in multiple ways. Keep reading to learn the top reasons to add lick mats to your pup’s routine.
What Are Lick Mats?
Lick mats come in various shapes and sizes and are typically made from rubber or silicone. Regardless of their appearance, lick mats are all designed to hold spreadable food within patterned grooves. These mats make Fido work harder to get a treat or dinner, which can soothe anxiety, slow down a quick eater, and keep your pup busy. Experts recommend using them when you need to distract your dog, such as during bathtime, storms, grooming, vet visits, or when visitors arrive.
Soothing an Anxious Pup
A lick mat is a lifesaver for owners of an anxious pup that gets overwhelmed easily. Lick mats keep dogs distracted for longer than a standard dog bowl, which redirects their focus to something enjoyable. Licking also has a naturally soothing effect since it releases dopamine and endorphins into your dog’s brain. This provides your pooch with a sense of safety and can calm them down in stressful situations or environments. Next time your pup is anxious, give them a lick mat loaded with their favorite spreadable snack.
Improves Canine Health
Consistent use of lick mats can improve your furry friend’s health. Eating out of a slow feeder such as a lick mat takes more effort than a standard dog bowl, which prevents your pup from eating too quickly or overeating. Consistent overeating is associated with health conditions such as diabetes or pancreatitis. Lick mats encourage slower eating habits, which will improve your canine’s digestion and reduce the risk of bloating.
In addition, lick mats promote good dental health. Dental and gum disease is common in canines and can cause significant discomfort and health issues. Lick mats are excellent because they scrape plaque off your pup’s teeth and gums. Since a lick mat stimulates your dog’s tongue, this will also increase their saliva production, which helps clean their tongue, teeth, and gums. Using a lick mat in addition to regularly brushing Fido’s teeth is great for canine dental health.
Providing Fido with Mental Stimulation
In addition to regular physical exercise, dogs require consistent mental stimulation. In addition to scavenging and solving puzzles, lick mats are an excellent form of mental stimulation for your furry friend. Dogs must use their brains to get every last bit of food out of a lick mat, which puts their brains to the test. Mental stimulation is hard work for canines; using their brain to complete a challenge can tire them out even more than physical activity. Lick mats also reduce canine boredom, which reduces boredom-based behavioral issues that are often destructive or dangerous. This is especially beneficial for high-energy dogs who require frequent outlets for their energy.
What Can I Put on a Lick Mat?
The best part about lick mats is that you can put nearly any soft, dog-safe food in them. Dog owners can select their pup’s favorite foods and mix and match them. Some great options for lick mats include peanut butter, wet dog food, greek yogurt, mashed sweet potatoes, and ground meat. You can also make a vegetable or fruit puree by blending up your dog-safe fruits and veggies and adding them to the mat. To make a lick mat even more challenging, pop it in the freezer after adding the food so that Fido must work even harder.
Getting a lick mat for your dog is an easy way to provide them with mental stimulation, a calming outlet, and promote good health. Now that you’ve read about the benefits, you should consider adding a lick mat to your pup’s routine.