Top Dog Lick Mat Ideas for Bath Time and Anxiety

After a big break it’s finally time to go back to the office. And while this is a rather exciting start, pet parents are having great troubles when having to leave their pups unattended at homes. More and more records are pouring in, stating the increased cases of stress and anxiety in pups, given the sudden change in their owner’s schedule.

 

So, if you are also one of those sufferers, dog lick mats is what you need. Same as their name, these mats are specifically produced to help keep your woofer engaged with delicacies while you are away working at the office or when trying to give them a nice, proper bath.

 

To alleviate your canine’s stress during bath, place the lick pad on the tub ridge or put it on the adjacent wall. Next add a good chunk of wet gravy or wet canned food on to the licking mat. The smell will serve as a distracting agent keeping the pooch completely focused on the tastier part of the job than wiggle their way around in the bathroom. Additionally, you can also invest in dog lick mats that come with elevated designs. Their special design comes super handy for pups that dig down into treats within mere seconds and therefore is a must-have for pet parents who have a super-anxious pup.

 

Below we have rounded up the top 7 dog lick mats along with the best treat ideas. So, make sure you read until the end.

 

Top 7 Dog Lick Mats

 

Mighty Paw Dog Lick Pad

 

Crafted using BPA-free silicone components, the Mighty Paw Dog lick pad is one of the safest dog lick mats out there. It features 4 uniquely designed quadrants, each one for a specific purpose, including distraction (to distract them) anxiety relief (shifts focus towards tasty treats), easy (for quick training rewards) and fun (as slow feeder and for bored pups). So, no matter whatever purpose you are going for, this lick mat is definitely going to be the best choice you could ever invest in.

 

Additionally, the mat is coupled with strong suction cups at the bottom side. This arrangement keeps the pad secure in one place as the pup continues slurping the delicacies to its heart content. The product is also dishwasher safe, making it super easy to clean and maintain.

 

Pros:

 

• Free from harmful chemicals
• 4-in-1 unique lick mat structure
• Super strong suction cups
• Available in many bright colors

 

Cons:

 

• Size not suitable for big dogs

 

Hyper Pet IQ Treat Lick Mat

 

Arriving in a huge variety of colors, the Hyper Pet IQ Treat lick mat is made in the USA and offers a 90-days limited warranty on pet chewing. The mat has a quadrant design providing owners an upper hand in keeping a track of the total amount of wet food or puree their pup consumes. Not only that, but due to its rugged design, even the fastest of eaters will take more than a few minutes to finish off what they have been presented with.

 

This product is also a great interactive toy as it aids keep the dog entertained for hours and even enhances their problem solving skills. Just spread on a layer of their favorite wet treats and witness the sheer pleasure on their goofy faces. Similarly the materials are dishwasher safe, although it should only be done in the top-rack settings.

 

Pros:

 

• Dishwasher and freezer safe
• USA made
• Slow feeder for fast eaters
• BPA-free manufacturing materials

 

Cons:

 

• No anti-slip suctions
• Not meant for aggressive chewers

 

Lickimat Classic Soother

 

A dog lick mat specially crafted to curb destructive behavior resulting due to anxiety during bath, separation from owners or due to boredom, the Lickimate Classic Soother is highly preferred by vets and trainers. Its special design is backed up by dog-friendly manufacturing materials which encourages the pups to enjoy the treats anywhere and with utmost satisfaction.

 

Thanks to its distinctive style, all matters of treats go with this particular mat. Even more, you can also add in supplements or medications on top of the treats and let your pooch savor them without getting the tiniest bit of hint.

 

However if you are thinking of going for small kibbles, raw meat, fish, or chunky spreadable treats, then the company also has other options available in both online and offline stores. Similarly, if your pup is a little chewer, investing in Lickimat Tuff is definitely a better option.

 

Pros:

 

• No silicon
• Recommended by vets and trainers
• Aids in ensuring optimal dental health
• Suitable for small and large dogs

 

Cons:

 

• Hand wash only
• Not resistant to chewing

 

Hipoll Dog Slow Feeder

 

Another slow feeding lick pad, the Hipoll Dog Slow feeder is the most suitable choice for an anxious dog. The product features a 2-in-1 design, with one side having dots and the other one with a beautiful flowery structure.

 

Furthermore, this food mat is made up of food-grade silicone material and is completely BPA-free, so you won’t have to worry about your pooch’s safety when used as per instructions. The mat is also odorless and doesn’t leave any color residues in the food items.

 

For cleaning, the company claims the product to go well with both dishwashers and hot water mixture. But to be extra sure, soaking it before cleaning can come handy in getting rid of stuck food items.

 

Pros:

 

• Interactive toy for stress and anxiety relief
• Microwave, oven and refrigerator safe
• Can be used for both canines and felines
• Multiple surface applicability

 

Cons:

 

• Suction wears out fast
• Not suitable for destructive chewers

 

Raw Paws Lick Pad Mat

 

Arriving in a paw-shaped design, this one’s a must have for owners with dogs diagnosed with separation anxiety and destructive behavior. The mat consists of two different styles, allowing canines to slow down and genuinely enjoy the experience.

 

Made up of dog-safe materials, the lick mat has a good-quality suction base that easily attaches to walls, floors, and even bathroom tiles. So no matter if the pooch is having a bath or getting their nails trimmed, there will be no stressful reactions from them until and unless they are enjoying the delicious heaven that’s in front of them.

 

To clean the product, owners can use both the top rack of the dishwasher or give it a thorough hand wash. Thanks to its durable design, the mat lasts much longer and hence there’s no risk of damaging its parts.

 

Pros:

 

• BPA free food-grade silicone material
• Enhances oral health
• Suitable for both dogs and cats

 

Cons:

 

• Not ideal for all treat types
• Suction cups could have been better

 

Feeding Mat for Dog&Cat

 

In this list the Feeding Mat for Dog&Cat is the most affordable yet perfect training tool for pups and cats alike. The product arrives with two feeding mats and a spreader which evenly unrolls almost all kinds of treats into the deeper parts of the surface. Thus every time the dog licks the lick mat, the rugged design gently clears out food particles and odor-causing bacteria from their tongue.

 

Moreover, the mat has three uniquely textured quadrants that are all designed for specific purposes. So when you pour down the wet gravy, each of these textures serve as a challenging task for the pups to solve, leading to both mental and physical stimulation. At the base, the mat is coupled with 61 powerful suction cups that keeps the mat in place while your pooch has fun with it.

 

Pros:

 

• Food grade silicone, BPA-free material
• Durable suctions
• Multifunctional textures with mini hanging hole design

 

Cons:

 

• Cleaning the texture nooks and corners is hard

 

Laiannwell Dog Cat Lick Mat

 

The Laiannwell Dog Cat lick mat features a new upgraded slow feeding design with three different textures for ensuring heightened interaction with the mat. Compartmentalized into four parts, the bone and paw shaped textures are best suitable for offering liquid treats while the gridded one is for pet kibbles. The unique style works best for canines that are fast eaters or get bored and anxious easily.

 

Apart from that the lick mat also does a great job when you are teaching your puppy new tricks. Just pour down a good layer of their favorite treats and let your fur baby munch down the delicacies every time they follow your command.

 

The product is highly resilient and has 35 octopus-type suction cups, making them the best choice for almost all kinds of floors, walls and even car doors. When attached to the surface properly, the mat doesn’t slide away, and hence there is a lot less saliva mess to clean afterwards.

 

Pros:

 

• Strong durable design
• BPA-free manufacturing
• 24/7 customer service available
• Easy to clean

 

Cons:

 

• Not suitable for larger breeds

 

How do I use dog lick mats to reduce anxiety in my pup?

 

When bathing

 

Not all dog breeds like being bathed. And if your puppy is one of those little fur bundles who will do anything just to get out of that bath tub then dog lick mats can be your savior. Just place the mat on the bathroom floor and let them enjoy it before proceeding ahead with the process. When presented with a pleasurable experience like this, they will eventually cool down and therefore the whole process would become much more streamlined.

 

Or else you can also stick the mat on the bathroom wall so your woofer can have licks during the entire process.

 

For separation anxiety/boredom

 

When left alone for long hours without not much physical or mental stimulation, canines get bored and often indulge in self-entertainment which generally results in destructive behavior. To stop this occurrence, you can let them have a mat filled with their favorite treats. Given their unique textured design, a small bit of their favorite wet food will also last them longer, and hence keep them both entertained and satisfied before you leave the house.

 

However, NEVER EVER leave your pupper unauthorized with these mats. You never know when the canine might end up tearing up the pieces and gulping it down, causing emergency situations.

 

What to look for in lick mats? Buyers Guide

 

Dog lick mats come in many sizes, varieties and designs. And while all of these may seem to be doing the work, some are better than the rest. For instance, a small lick mat can never suffice to the needs of a large dog. You will need to invest in a fairly large sized mat for larger breeds and tougher ones for those who have a history of aggressive chewing.

 

Below we have pointed out some of the major points that you should consider when purchasing lick mats. So, let’s start.

 

Design

 

The first thing to notice when getting a dog lick mat is their design. From dotted ones to textures that look like paws, bones, and even flowers, dog lick mats usually come with several texture mix-ups. This makes them worth investing, as you can switch between the designs and let your pooch have fun with it, without actually having to purchase another one with a different style.

 

Typically, a lick mat with anxiety, fun, and bath focused quadrants are a must-have accessory, and if there’s more to it, then you won’t be disappointed spending money for it.

Strong suctions

 

A lickmat is nothing if it’s not backed up by strong suctions. As dogs have to put in added pressure every time they use the lick mats, these products need to stay at a place, or else there is a high risk that your dog might take it all over the house.

 

The suctions should work on almost all kinds of flooring, including slippery tiles, bathroom floors, and even ply board floors. To find about their suction power, going through the reviews can come handy.

 

Durability & Safety

 

Almost all lick mats are created using top-notch food-grade safe silicone materials that when used doesn’t necessarily stress the little one’s bodies. However, apart from that the mats are needed to be highly resilient to scratches and controlled chewing as not all dogs behave the same when they are offered with their favorite treats. Even the tiniest of pieces could get into their system, causing severe reactions and even choking their breathing tract.

 

Similarly, if you have an aggressive chewer, investing in tougher lick mats is a must. You should also train them to behave properly and then only allow them to lick off the treats.

 

Ease of cleaning

 

Finally, never ever forget to check the cleaning guidelines for the dog lick mats. Some are designed to sustain dishwasher washing, while at the same time others require a careful and thorough hand wash. Ignoring this step can fasten the wearing process of these mats, so heeding proper care is a must if you want your canine to enjoy the purchase for a really long time.

 

FAQs

 

What can I put on my dog’s lick mat?

 

The best options include: Peanut butter, yogurt, canned pumpkin, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, ground meat, oatmeal (with no sugar), pureed vegetables, honey, banana, blueberries, etc.

 

Dog lick mats typically work well with anything that can be spread evenly over the surface with a knife. So, rather than putting dry kibbles, you should go for wet treats or pureed vegetables.

Are lick mats good for dogs?

 

Yes!!! Specially manufactured to keep our little pooches entertained, these dog lick mats also work well in maintaining optimal dental health in canines. When dogs lick these elevated ridges, the bristles aid scrape your dog’s tongue, clearing out any remnant food particles that may have stuck onto their mouth.

 

Therefore using these not-so expensive lick mats come super handy in not only ensuring that your dog is engaged but also healthy.

 

Are lick mats safe for puppies?

 

It depends upon their age. For puppies below 4 months this product is absolutely unnecessary. This is the age when their bodies are still growing and hence just to be on the safer side, avoiding introduction to foreign items is highly advised.

 

But for pups aged more than 6 months, this interactive tool is greatly beneficial. Pet parents can use it as an anxiety-relief lick pad or train their pooches using the product.

 

With this we end our discussion on the best ranking dog lick mats for bath time and general anxiety. If you have more questions, don’t forget to comment down below and we will get back to them as soon as possible.

 

Till then take care and stay safe!!!