The Benefits of Silicone Licking Mats for Dogs

As a dog owner, you’re always looking for ways to keep your furry friend entertained, relaxed, and happy. One simple, yet effective tool that has gained popularity in recent years is the silicone licking mat for dogs. These mats, designed with small ridges or grooves, encourage dogs to lick and forage for their food, providing a host of benefits that go far beyond just keeping them calm and engaged. Dexas has taken these designs several steps further with the creation of the award-winning Snack & Distract licking mat. Here’s how this new design strengthens these benefits:

Mental Stimulation

Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as they need physical exercise. Boredom can lead to unwanted behaviors such as chewing, excessive barking, or digging. A silicone licking mat provides an engaging activity that requires your dog to focus and problem-solve as they work to reach the food spread across the field of soft flexible bristles with “tri-nib” tips. Slow, deliberate licking focuses the dog’s energy productively.

Anxiety Relief and Calming Effect

Licking is naturally soothing for dogs, and studies have shown that repetitive licking can help reduce stress and anxiety. Whether your dog experiences separation anxiety, has trouble with loud noises like fireworks, or simply needs to “chill out” for a while, a licking mat like Snack & Distract can provide a calming outlet. The gentle, repetitive motion of licking releases endorphins in your dog’s brain, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.

Slows Down Eating

Some dogs tend to gulp down their food, which can lead to digestive issues like bloating or vomiting. By using a silicone licking mat, you can help slow down their eating. The field of bristles encourages slower consumption as your dog must work harder to access each bite, which promotes healthier digestion and can prevent gulping or choking.

Unique “Catch Tray” Catches Slobber or Spills

As your dog licks, saliva production can increase. That’s one benefit of the Snack & Distract over ordinary licking mats…it has a specially designed, flexible catch tray that can collect any slobber or spills of spreadable snacks while the mat is in its vertical position while in use.

Photo: by @girlplusbulldogs

Keeps Dogs Entertained or Distracted

If you’re looking for a way to occupy your dog during times when you can’t give them your full attention, a silicone licking mat can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re on a conference call, making dinner, or entertaining guests, a licking mat keeps your dog happily engaged. Or if you need to distract them during bathing, grooming or nail clipping, this licking mat can keep your dog focused on the treat while reducing anxiety.

Perfect for Training and Reinforcement

Licking mats are an excellent tool for reinforcing positive behaviors or for offering a rewarding treat during training sessions or down time in a crate. It’s important to note that you should still be supervising the use of Snack & Distract licking mats and picking up the mat when they have finished their soft snack.

Easy to Clean and Reusable

Silicone licking mats are not only durable and long-lasting but also easy to clean. Most can be rinsed off with water or popped into the dishwasher, making them a low-maintenance solution for busy pet owners. Unlike some plastic alternatives, silicone mats are BPA-free ensuring that your dog’s snack is delivered safely.

Supports a Balanced Diet

The Snack & Distract licking mat is sized to encourage proper portion sizes, which can help in managing your dog’s weight and calorie intake. You can spread healthy treats such as low-fat peanut butter, mashed vegetables or pumpkin, or plain yogurt, across the silicone bristles, giving your dog a nutritious snack without overfeeding. It’s a great way to introduce variety into your dog’s diet while ensuring that they eat more slowly.

Incorporating the Snack & Distract silicone licking mat into your dog’s routine is an easy, affordable way to enhance their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. From reducing anxiety to providing entertainment to slowing down their eating to catching slobber or spills in the flexible tray, the benefits of Snack & Distract licking mats make them a “must-have” for any pet parent. They stick to any smooth surface, like bathroom tile or the front of your fridge, dishwasher or washing machine. This vertical position works the best for the unique catch tray as well, to keep the area beneath the mat clean.