Lick Mat Benefits for Dogs: 7 Reasons Every Anxious Dog Needs One

Licking is a self-soothing behavior for dogs: it releases endorphins and lowers heart rate. A lick mat for dogs channels that instinct into a calm, focused activity.

1. Reduces anxiety

Use a lick mat during thunderstorms, fireworks or when you leave the house.

2. Makes grooming easier

Stick a suction-cup mat to the bathtub wall and your dog stays still for baths and nail trims.

3. Slows down fast eaters

Spreading wet food on a textured mat turns a 30-second meal into 10 minutes.

4. Supports dental health

The textured surface helps scrape food particles from the tongue.

5. Mental stimulation

Focused licking tires the brain, which reduces destructive boredom behavior.

6. Crate training helper

A frozen lick mat creates a positive association with the crate.

7. Easy hydration

Frozen bone broth on a mat is a fun way to get extra fluids in on hot days.

5 freezer-friendly lick mat recipes

  • Plain Greek yogurt + blueberries
  • Pumpkin puree (not pie filling) + a little peanut butter (xylitol-free)
  • Wet dog food + green beans
  • Banana + plain yogurt
  • Low-sodium bone broth gelled with unflavored gelatin

Always check ingredients with your vet if your dog has allergies, and supervise use. Ready to try? Browse our lick mats.