How to Choose the Perfect Lick Mat for Your Dog

If you are planning to get your dog a dog licking mat then let me tell you, you are making the smartest decision of this year so far. Lick mats for dogs have proven to be one of the most beneficial dog products that provides entertainment and health care side by side. 

However, to make sure your dog gets the full benefits of the lick mat you bought for them, make sure you choose the right kind of dog licking mat for them. So let’s discuss how you can choose the best kind of dog licking mat for your lovely furry friends. 

Benefits of Lick Mat For Dogs

Lick mats have many physiological and psychological benefits for the dogs:

1. Reduces anxiety 

When dogs are anxious and are full of energy that is not being channeled into the right place, they tend to engage in self destructive and undesirable behaviors. Lick mats help them calm that energy while their attention is fully on licking the spreaded food on the mat. 

2. Releases Happy Hormones

A research study found that dogs often lick as a signal of peace and understanding with their owners.  That's why when they want to express love for their owners, they lick them sometimes softly, sometimes aggressively (in instances of extreme fondness for the owner). Licking is a soothing and a stress releasing activity for the dogs because this releases endorphins (the happy hormones) in their brain that can make them feel relaxed and stress-free.

3. Encourages slower eating habits

The textured surface of the lick mats don’t allow fast eater dogs to gulp the food all at once. As the food is stuck to the mat, it becomes a little challenging for them and they can only eat it by slow licking motions. This encourages slow eating behaviors in the pet which helps in better digestion also. 

4. Improves Dental health

The differently designed textures on the lick mat help clean the dog's teeth and give a message to their gums which ensures there is no plaque or bacteria buildup on teeth. Moreover, the continuous licking results in saliva production which washes away most bacteria and debris on the teeth.

Best Material For Dog Lick Mats

The best materials for dog lick mats should be safe, durable, and easy to clean. Below are the top recommended materials along with their benefits:

Silicone (Food-Grade)

These lick mats are the top choice for dog owners as they are safe and non-toxic i.e. they are free from BPA and other toxic chemicals that can harm dog’s health. Other than that these mats are flexible and non-slip, which means they don’t easily wear and tear yet are still gentle on your dog’s mouth and tongue. 

These mats are easy to clean and are very practical for use with wet, sticky treats like peanut butter, yogurt, or pureed fruits. They can also be used to freeze these treats as well for longer-lasting licking sessions.

Natural Rubber

This material is also among the top chosen types for dog licking mats, especially for those who are thoughtful about their buying choices and prefer eco-friendly products. Natural rubber lick mats are biodegradable and free from toxic chemicals, while also being tough and chew resistant for fast and aggressive chewers. These licking mats are a durable choice alternative to silicone. 

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

These mats are also non toxic and BPA free, because this material is a blend of plastic and rubber. TPE mats are quite practical as they are flexible and strong, meaning they provide durability while maintaining flexibility. Additionally their textured surface is ideal for slow-feeding and lick enrichment.

ABS Plastic (High-Quality, BPA-Free)

ABS dog licking mats are high quality and durable mats that are resistant to aggressive licking. They provide various benefits with their light weight quality and textured surface. These mats are also relatively cheaper and budget-friendly than silicone or rubber.

Key Considerations When Choosing A Dog Licking Mat

Before choosing a lick mat for your dog take into consideration some factors that will help you make the right decision for your dog: 

• Dog’s Chewing Habits: If your dog is a heavy chewer, opt for natural rubber or silicone. As they are more impact-resistant materials and would resist wear and tear for a long time.

• Safety: To ensure safety of your dog, make sure the material you are choosing is free from BPA, phthalates, and toxic chemicals.

• Durability: For a heavy chewer dog, choose a material that is long lasting and can withstand aggressive licking. 

• Size of the Mat: Choose a mat according to your dog’s size. A beginner lick mat might be too easy for a large dog with lots of energy, while small puppies may struggle with detailed designs.

• Environmental Impact: Natural rubber is more eco-friendly than plastic alternatives.

• Complexity: Decide how challenging the licking experience should be for your dog according to their personality, e.g. for a dog that is easily bored or distracted, a complex lickmat is the best choice to keep them busy for a long time. 

Make The Right Choice

Choosing the right dog licking mat ensures that your furry friend gets a mat that will be safe, engaging, and useful for their licking experiences. Food-grade silicone, natural rubber, and TPE are some materials renowned for their durability, flexibility, and safety, which makes them perfect for improving your dog's dental health, reducing anxiety, and encouraging slower eating.