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Happier Snuffles! Happy You!

Enrichment Lick Mats for Dogs & Cats: The 20-Minute "Off-Switch" for Pet Anxiety.

Channel your pet’s energy into focused and endorphin-releasing enrichment with medical-grade silicone lick mats that calm their mind.

  • Reduces anxiety · Slows fast eaters · Dishwasher safe · BPA-free silicone · Dogs, cats & small pets · Certified plastic negative.
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Our Collection: Five Textures. Endless Possibilities.

Every mat in our lick mat collection is made from food-safe, BPA-free silicone with a unique texture pattern designed to hold different spreads at different depths. Pick one based on your pet's patience level and favourite topping - or grab a few and rotate for daily variety.

Why Your Pet Actually Needs This: The Science Behind Lick Mats

Licking isn’t just a way to clean a bowl; it’s a biological "off-switch" for stress and a "play" switch for your fur baby's brain. It’s the pet equivalent of a deep breathing exercise.

  • The Endorphin Boost

    Licking is a natural foraging activity for pets. During the licking sessions, their brain releases endorphins that naturally lower cortisol (the stress hormone).

  • Mental Workout

    15 minutes of focused licking provides more mental stimulation than a long 30-minute walk. This is the perfect pet workout for rainy days or post-surgery rest.

  • Oral Fitness

    The raised food-safe, BPA-free silicone ridges scrape the pet’s tongue and remove bacteria with every session.

  • Digestive Control

    By breaking a meal into thousands of tiny licks, the mat prevents gulping and helps your pet feel fuller, faster.
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How to Use the Lick Mat: Three Steps to a Happy Lick Session

Using these licking pads for dogs is extremely easy. Just follow these three simple steps and you are all set for a stress free pet enrichment session:

  • Step 1 Choose Your Spread

    Pick something your pet already loves. Xylitol-free peanut butter, plain Greek yogurt, wet food, mashed banana, or pumpkin purée all work effectively. Avoid - Xylitol, onion, garlic, grapes, or macadamia nuts.

  • Step 2 Spread, Place & Position

    Smear the spread into the grooves of the dog lick mat. Freeze it for 2–3 hours to create a longer licking session and provide a soothing cool snack. Use the suction cups to stick it to a tile floor, bath wall, or grooming table.

  • Step 3 Watch Them Calm

    Once your fur baby starts licking, you’ll notice a shift in their energy - head down, breathing slows, tail settles. Use this for a nail trim session or during an important phone call.
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Vet-Recommended, Behaviourist-Approved Enrichment for Your Pet

We didn't invent the idea that licking is calming. Animal behaviorists, pet trainers, and vets figured that out long before we did. We just made the mats worth licking.

  • The Distraction Effect

    Vets often use lick mats during exams because the sensory input of the tongue can override the "pinch" of a needle.

  • Enrichment over Boredom

    Behaviorists and pet trainers use lick mats to provide soothing enrichment, which reduces destructive chewing and barking.

  • Task-Based Confidence

    For rescue pets, the act of finishing a task (finishing the spread in this case) builds security in a new environment.

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Licking isn't just a distraction for your fur friend; it's a tool for a more regulated, disciplined, and happier pet.

Topping Ideas: What to Spread on Licker Mats

Not sure what to put on the lick mats for cats or dogs? Here are some lick-safe spread options that you can use:

Pet What to Spread
For Dogs Peanut Butter (Xylitol-free), Canned Pumpkin, Greek Yogurt (Plain), Mashed Sweet Potato, Minced Meat
For Cats Churu / Lickable treats, Mashed Sardines (in water), Wet Pate-style food, Goat Milk
For Small Pets Mashed Banana, Berry Purée, Soaked Hay Pellets, Apple Sauce (Unsweetened)

Note: These are the safest suggestions based on common pet behaviour patterns. Please consult your vet before choosing any spread if your pet has any medical conditions!

Things to Always Avoid on a Lick Mat

We all love our fur babies, and it’s important to know what might harm them. Here is a quick list of things that you must never use on lick toys for dogs or other pets:

  •  Xylitol
  • Chocolate
  • Onions and Garlic
  • Grapes and Raisins
  • Macadamia Nuts and Avocado
  • High-Fat Foods
  • Excessive Sugar/Salt.

 Easy to Clean, Effortless to Maintain, Built to Last!

All PawzNDogz lick mats are made from high-quality, food-grade, BPA-free silicone. This material cleans up without any effort or mess. 

Rinse the pet lick mat under warm running water for 10 seconds right after each session. For a deeper wash, pop it on the top rack of your dishwasher. The silicone handles heat without warping or degrading - no lingering smells, no staining, no scrubbing. Air dry the lick mat, and it's ready for tomorrow's session.

For a deeper clean after high-fat spreads like peanut butter, let the mat soak in warm soapy water for 10 minutes before rinsing. The silicone releases residue easily once it has enough time to loosen.

Every Difficult Moment, Made Easier

You can’t always explain to a pet that something is important, but you can give them a job to do while you complete the task. These lick mats provide the mental anchor they need when the world gets too loud.

  • Bath time

    Use a lick mat with a suction cup and stick it to the bath wall. Your pet licks their favourite spread while you wash them. Repeat weekly until bath time becomes an exciting thing for them.

  • Vet & grooming visits

    Pack a licking mat with the spread in a separate box. The moment your pet seems anxious, pull it out. The familiar smell and flavour override the stress response before it can take hold.

  • Home alone

    Before you leave the house, give your fur friend a frozen lick mat to create a positive, focused activity that may ease the anxiety of departure.

  • During thunderstorms or firecrackers

    Load the mat and offer it when you notice the first sign of noise anxiety. Licking behavior suppresses the panic response in dogs, cats, and small pets. Use it in a safe, quiet space for best results.

  • Post-surgery rest

    Vets often recommend lick mats for pets recovering from medical procedures who need to stay calm and still. A frozen lick mat provides proper stimulation without physical exertion.
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 Ready for a Calmer, Smarter Pet?

Don't wait for the next thunderstorm or bath day to make your fur baby anxious. Join thousands of Canadian pet families who have traded mealtime chaos for brain-building quiet.

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FAQs

  • How often should I wash a lick mat?

    You should wash a lick mat after each use to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.

  • Do vets recommend dog lick mats?

    Yes! Veterinarians and pet training professionals usually recommend lick mats to provide mental enrichment and deep calm.

  • How often should a dog use a lick mat?

    You can use a lick mat every day as part of a meal routine or to keep your dog busy.

  • Does a lick mat tire a dog out?

    Yes, a lick mat can tire a dog out! But this tiredness is mental exhaustion and calming stimulation rather than physical exertion.

  • Do cats like lick mats?

    Yes, Cats also like lick mats especially when you put their favourite treats like Churu or Mashed Sardines on it.

  • What happens if you don't wash your dog lick mats?

    It is extremely important to wash a dog lick mat after each use. If you don't, the lick pad can accumulate wet saliva which is the perfect environment for bacterial growth.

  • Can I give my dog a lick mat every day?

    Yes, you can give your dog a pet lick mat daily. But make sure not to use it too frequently in a single day as it may become boring or try to alternate it with other stimulation toys for pets like puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, etc.

  • Are lick mats safe for puppies?

    Yes, lick mats are safe for puppies when used with puppy-safe foods such as plain yogurt, pumpkin puree, or puppy-safe peanut butter.

  • What food works best on a dog lick mat?

    Popular options include xylitol-free peanut butter, plain Greek yogurt, mashed banana, canned pumpkin, and wet dog food.

  • Can lick mats help with separation anxiety?

    Yes. Frozen lick mats can keep pets mentally occupied and help reduce anxiety when owners leave the house.
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