Got a dog that's a bit of a handful?
Perhaps your pup is barking at every passerby, trembling at unknown sounds, or simply just can't sit still and relax. Well, have you ever heard of dog licky mats? If not, you definitely need to consider one of these overlooked gems as it may just be your ticket to a calmer and happier pup.
There are a few different styles but basically, licky mats are textured silicone mats on which you can spread your dog's wet food, peanut butter, or some other type of treat. Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, trust us, the benefits of dog licky mats are anything but basic.
For our reactive pups, these mats can be an efficient tool that can turn potentially stressful situations into a delightful distraction. Licky mats can keep your dog entertained, licking is a form of self-soothing for dogs, so they can help reduce anxiety, and even help with grooming tasks.
Our dogs absolutely love licky mats with peanut butter and we think yours would too! So, let's have a bit of a chat about why dog licky mats should be on your must-have list for your four-legged friends, and our review of the Coomazy Licky Mats, an affordable option available on Amazon.
Our Review of Coomazy Dog Licky Mats
When it comes to dog licky mats, the Coomazy brand, which is available on Amazon, is definitely one to consider due to its affordable price point and ease of use. We purchased the two-pack of these mats as we have two dogs - one giant breed and one small breed.
Design and Material
The Coomazy Dog Licky Mats are 100% food-grade silicone and are free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. The mats themselves are soft, have been durable in the handful of times we have used them, and are waterproof and can be thrown in the dishwasher. The two-pack we purchased also came with a cleaning brush and silicone spatula, which makes cleaning up super simple.
Treat Versatility
We've been having a lot of fun finding new things to spread on our licky mats. You can use peanut butter, yoghurt, wet dog food, and basically any other type of food or treat that can be spread or squished into a surface. The textured design of the mats means that it takes your dog a bit longer to lick up all of the goodness, providing them with prolonged engagement.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
For our reactive dog, the Coomazy mats have been a fantastic tool in alleviating her stress. The act of licking is incredibly soothing for dogs, with studies demonstrating that the act of licking actually releases endorphins in a dog's brain. Whether it's during a thunderstorm, a trip to the vet, or even while you're out and about and need a tool to help counter-condition, these mats are wonderful for alleviating your pup's stress.
Helps Your Dog's Dental Health
Imagine the licky mat as a tongue cleaner for your dog. The textured silicone surface of the Coomazy mats also aids in promoting better dental health by scraping your pup's tongue. As your dog is licking away, the mat itself is helping to scrape away older food, particularly bacteria, which in turn, contributes to cleaner teeth for your dog.
Affordable and Accessible
While I adore shopping locally, sometimes purchasing simpler products on Amazon just makes sense. These mats are reasonably priced, making them a super affordable addition to your pup's daily routine. There are several colours available and you can either purchase a single pack or double pack like we did.
How to Use the Coomazy Dog Licky Mat
It's really straightforward, but we thought we'd include this section so that you know exactly what you're doing. Depending on your dog, you can suction the mat to a vertical or flat surface surface (like a kitchen cupboard door or tile floor). Simply spread a thin layer of your dog's food or a favourite treat over the mat's surface and let them go to town.
If you want to up the difficulty of the mat, pop it in the fridge or freezer to make it last even longer, especially for warmer summer days.
Our Tip: For added enrichment, try mixing in some different textures and flavours. One of our favourite combos is a bit of peanut butter with mashed banana and a dollop of yoghurt in the centre.
Review Summary
All in all, the Coomazy Dog Licky Mat is a fantastic investment for any dog owner, particularly those of us with reactive pups. It's a super simple and effective way to keep our dogs engaged and reduce their stress, and it's an easy addition to our daily routine. Seriously, I think your pup might just thank you with a very waggy tail and a much calmer demeanour for the day.
If you would like to purchase the Coomazy Dog Licky Mats, please consider using our link as an affiliate. Head over to Amazon and check out the options available. Happy licking!
Got any questions about licky mats or other dog care tips? Feel free to send us a message!
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