Lick Mats for Dogs have become increasingly popular among dog owners as a training tool that can help soothe dogs, prevent boredom, and serve as a slow feeder. However, using them correctly is key to their success.
In this blog post, we will cover the basics of Lickimats and how to introduce them to your dog. We will also provide tips on how to prevent your dog from chewing on the Lick mat.
Our video, “How to Use a Lick mat & Prevent Chewing,” will be an additional visual guide to help you get started with your dog’s Lick mat journey. It includes step-by-step instructions on how to introduce your dog to the Lick mat and how to make it a positive experience.
We will also share some of our favourite Lick mat recipes that your dog will love, and we will discuss the benefits of using a Lick mat, such as reducing anxiety and promoting healthy eating habits.
If you’re a new Lick Mat user or looking to improve your dog’s experience with this fantastic tool, this blog post is perfect for you.
Let’s get started!
What’s a Lick Mat For Dogs?
If you’re not familiar with Lickimats, they are a type of interactive dog toy that can provide mental stimulation and enrichment for your pup. They are designed to hold soft or spreadable treats, such as peanut butter or wet food, and can be used as a slow feeder to help your dog eat more slowly and avoid digestive issues.
Benefits of Lick Mats
Lickimats offer numerous benefits to both dogs and their owners. Here are a few of the key benefits:
Can promote calmness and relaxation
Lick mats are great for dogs that suffer from anxiety or nervousness. The repetitive licking motion can help to soothe them and promote a sense of calm.
Can reduce boredom
Dogs love to lick and explore new textures and flavours. Lick mats provide a variety of textures and flavours that can keep your dog occupied for extended periods, helping to reduce boredom and prevent destructive behaviour.
Can slow down eating
Many dogs tend to eat too quickly, which can cause digestive problems. Lick mats are a great way to slow down eating, encouraging dogs to savour their food and helping to prevent digestive issues.
Can promote oral health
The constant licking motion can help to promote healthy teeth and gums by increasing saliva production and preventing the buildup of plaque.
Can provide mental stimulation
Licking mats can provide mental stimulation by engaging a dog’s senses of taste, smell, and touch. This can help to keep your dog’s mind active and engaged, which is important for their overall well-being.
Overall, Lick mats are a great tool for promoting your dog’s physical and mental health, reducing boredom and anxiety, and preventing destructive behavior.
Introducing a Lick Mat to your Dog
To introduce your dog to Lickimats, start by offering it to them empty, without any food or treats on it. This allows your dog to explore the Lick mat and get used to its texture and feel. You can also smear a small amount of peanut butter or other soft treat onto the Lick mat to encourage your dog to start licking and interacting with it.
Once your dog is comfortable with the empty Lickimat, you can start adding treats or food to it. Start with a small amount and make sure the treats are spread out evenly on the Lickimat. Stick to the middle bit, so your dog doesn’t get too close to the corners to avoid tempting them to chew on the Lickimat. This will encourage your dog to lick and work to get the treats, providing mental stimulation and slowing down their eating.
It’s important to monitor your dog when using a Lickimat, especially if they are a heavy chewer. While Lickimats are designed to be durable, they are not indestructible and can be chewed or ingested if your dog becomes too aggressive with it. In the next section (video), we will cover tips on how to prevent your dog from chewing on the Lickimat.
How to prevent your Dog from Chewing the Lick Mat & what to do if they chew it
Video with Tips on How to Introduce a Lick Mat to Your Dog and Prevent your Dog from Chewing it
You can get creative with what you put on the Lick mat. Below are some ideas for you.
Some of our Favourite Lick Mat Recipes
Lickimats are versatile tools that can be used to serve different kinds of treats and foods to your furry friend. Here are some of our favorite Lickimat recipes:
Dog-Safe Peanut Butter (no Xylitol!) and Banana
Mix together 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter and ½ a ripe banana until smooth. Spread the mixture on the Lickimat and freeze for an hour.
Yogurt and Berries
Mix together ½ cup of plain yogurt and ¼ cup of mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries). Spread the mixture on the Lick mat and freeze for an hour.
Chicken and Sweet Potato
Cook and shred 1 small chicken breast and ½ a sweet potato. Mix together and spread the mixture on the Lickimat.
Pumpkin and Cottage Cheese
Mix together ½ cup of canned pumpkin and ½ cup of cottage cheese. As an alternative to canned pumpkin, you can use Pumpkin powder (I feel this is way easier to get in the UK. We love the one from Hackney Dog House the most). Spread the mixture on the Lickimat and freeze for an hour.
These recipes can be adjusted to suit your dog’s tastes and dietary needs. Remember to always supervise your dog when they are using a Lick mat, and make sure to clean it thoroughly after each use.
For more:
Related Blog Posts
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The Science Behind Lick mats: Understanding the Benefits for Pets
Dog Lick Mats: What to put on a Lickimat
Frozen Dog Lick Mat Ideas for Summer
Lickimat Alternatives for your Dog
Calming Canines: Using a Lick Mat for Anxious Dogs
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