7 Reasons Why Your Pet Needs A Lick Mat 😋

Idk about you guys, but my dogs LOVE attention. Sadie is a very high-energy dog, and while I love that about her, sometimes it can be a struggle to fulfill her everyday. We go on walks, she has a doggie door and access to a large fenced yard, and throughout the day we play together. But she ALWAYS has more energy to burn. That’s why puzzles, lick mats, snuffles, and slow feeders are so fun to have around for her (and Puppa)!

Lick mats are so fun to have around and have so many benefits for your pet - that’ll be great for you too!

Here’s 7 reasons why your pet needs a lick mat!

🧩Promote Mental Stimulation

Keeping up with high-energy pets can be challenging. However, using a lick mat can provide them with much-needed mental exercise, that may tire them out more successfully than going for a run or walking around the block. Since lick mats force your dog to use their mind to figure out how to clean them completely, they'll help keep your dog content while providing an outlet for their energy. 

🔥More Info: Mental stimulation is hard work for dogs. They're used to going on long walks, but they're not used to using their minds as much as their bodies. So don't be surprised if your pet is exhausted after ten minutes of using a lick mat. Many people report that their pets are more exhausted after completing a lick mat, than after going for a long walk or engaging in vigorous exercise like running off-leash. 

🧩Slows Down Eating

Since they are flat, dogs are not able to grab the food with their teeth, and must use their tongue instead. Slowing down eating reduces bloat risks and improves digestion.

🧩Elicit Calming & Soothing Effect

The licking action is a very pleasurable experience for your dog. It secretes endorphins, the happiness hormone, helping calm and soothe your pet, and redirects bad licking habits.

🧩Distract From Stressful Situations

A lick mat becomes a great distraction when given in a moderately stressful situation, for example when you leave the home or when unfamiliar guests are visiting.

🔥Pro Tip: Studies have shown that the first 15 minutes after you leave the house are the most stressful for your pet (especially for dogs who struggle with separation anxiety). Putting a lick mat down for them can help distract them and ease their anxiety.

🧩Keep Your Pet Occupied & Entertained

Your pet wants all the attention they can get. Unfortunately, you can't spend all day playing with or petting them. Providing your pet with a fun, food-motivated activity like using a lick mat, can prevent boredom and undesirable behavior that might come with it. 

🔥Pro Tip: You can freeze wet food/treats in the lick mat to extend their playtime!

🧩Promote Fresh Breath, Healthy Teeth & Gums

The grooves and soft brittles on a lick mat scrape your dog’s tongue, cleaning it and removing particles and bacteria. This ultimately helps to improve your dog’s oral health. The licking action and production of saliva keep gums and teeth healthy.

🔥Pro Tip: Lick Mats can be used as a tongue brush after a meal, by spreading a small amount doggie toothpaste or coconut oil on them for your dog.

🧩Stimulate Saliva To Aid In Digestive Health

Increased saliva production also improves digestion as it contains enzymes, such as amylase, that help break down food.

❓Have you done lick mats with your pets? What’s your fave benefit of them?

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