Our dogs deserve more than just walks and treats because we strive to give them quality lives. Mental health matters for dogs, too. Simple tools can help dogs who experience separation anxiety or stress during mealtimes or who suffer from boredom to maintain their emotional wellness. One simple tool that stands out—yet is often underestimated—is the humble lick mat.

This blog will demonstrate how lick mats can enhance your dog's mental health while reducing their anxiety levels and providing them with valuable stimulation. We'll guide you through the proper introduction of lick mats and provide several delicious recipe ideas your dog will enjoy.

What Is a Lick Mat?

A lick mat functions as a textured food-grade silicone or plastic mat which dogs use for licking activities. You spread soft food like peanut butter, plain yoghurt or wet dog food over the mat, and your dog takes over from there. The repetitive action of licking triggers a calming response in dogs, which resembles the peace and relaxation we experience after soaking in a long bath or sipping a cup of tea.

Lick mats serve as important enrichment tools for dogs while remaining popular accessories across all breeds and ages.

How Lick Mats Support Mental Wellbeing

Calming & Soothing Effect:

• Licking is naturally calming for dogs. During licking behaviour, endorphins are released, which serve to calm anxiety and lower stress levels. Dogs dealing with fireworks anxiety or separation distress can find relief by using a lick mat.

Reduces Boredom & Destructive Behaviour:

• Dogs who become bored often turn to undesirable activities like chewing furniture and excessive barking to entertain themselves. The lick mat delivers an engaging mental activity which keeps dogs content during slow-paced licking.

Promotes Slow Feeding:

• Certain dogs eat their meals too rapidly, and this behaviour risks digestive problems and choking incidents. When dogs spread their meals on a lick mat, they eat more slowly, which enhances digestive health and reduces the risk of bloat.

Supports Training & Positive Associations:

• A lick mat can serve as a reward for calm behaviour and provide a distraction during grooming sessions and veterinary appointments. Using lick mats helps dogs develop positive connections with experiences that might otherwise feel stressful.

Read more about the benefits of mental enrichment for dogs here.

How to Introduce a Lick Mat to Your Dog

Begin using a lick mat with your dog by following these initial tips if it's their first time.

• Start simple: Place a delicious yet lick-friendly spread such as natural peanut butter without xylitol or plain Greek yoghurt on the mat.

• Supervise the first few uses: Keep an eye on your dog during lick mat sessions to see if they tend to chew because they might attempt to bite the mat.

• Make it part of a routine: Incorporate the lick mat into your daily routine at a consistent time each day, such as when you have your morning coffee or right before you leave your home.

• Freeze for a challenge: After your dog becomes accustomed to the mat, freeze it to create an extended and tougher enrichment exercise.

Total Pet's Lick Mat is made from durable, food-grade plastic. It is easy to clean, non-slip, and perfect for daily use—whether you're managing anxiety or just adding a little fun to your dog's day.

Discover Delicious Lick Mat Recipes Your Dog Will Enjoy

Want to keep things interesting? Try these tasty combos:

Peanut Butter & Banana Mash:

• Natural peanut butter (no xylitol)

• Mashed banana

• Top the mixture with crushed dog biscuits.

Yoghurt & Blueberry Swirl:

• Plain Greek yoghurt

• A few mashed or whole blueberries

• The mixture needs to stay in the freezer for between one and two hours before serving it as a refreshing summer snack.

Tuna & Sweet Potato Mash:

• Tinned tuna in spring water

• Steamed and mashed sweet potato

• A little parsley for fresh breath

The Meaty Classic:

• Your dog’s favourite wet food

• A spoonful of bone broth (low sodium)

• Freeze for a chewy delight

When to Use a Lick Mat

Lick mats are incredibly versatile and can be used in all sorts of everyday situations. They're brilliant during grooming, bath time, or nail clipping, as they help keep your dog calm and focused. 

After walks or play sessions, a lick mat can be a great way to settle them down, and if you're working on recall, it's also a fantastic tool to reinforce calm behaviour. Read our complete recall training guide.

They're also useful for easing separation anxiety when you leave the house, encouraging slower eating at mealtimes, calming dogs during thunderstorms or fireworks, and supporting crate training or bedtime routines.

A Few Tips for Best Results

• Rotate flavours to keep your dog interested.

• Use different textures to vary the challenge.

• Make sure to clean them completely after every use.

• Select a lick mat size that matches your dog's breed specifications and chewing habits.

Final Thoughts

Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise, and lick mats offer a simple, effective way to enrich their daily routine. From reducing anxiety to encouraging calm behaviour, they're a brilliant tool for any dog parent.

The Total Pet Lick Mat is designed with both function and fun in mind, making it a great addition to your enrichment toolkit. If you're new to lick mats, start simple, keep things varied, and most importantly, make it fun for your pup!