Seeing pets pop up in video meetings [1] — and virtual award shows [2] — is cute, but there are definitely times when a pup can think it's playtime . . . and you most decidedly do not. Maybe he whines repeatedly during an important work call [3], or picks the exact moment you unmute yourself on Zoom to bring his loudest squeaky toy [4] under your desk? No matter the scenario, whenever you need something to keep him silent and busy, a LickiMat is a saviour you can rely on for years to come.
Different than rawhides which can be dangerous [5], these mats and bowls can be filled with regular canned food, fresh dog food like Ollie [6], or pet-safe human food. I personally bought this $8 reusable item years ago to have on hand since Beau thinks any company in my apartment is his company, but it's the first thing I recommend to any friends who welcome a furry family member, or have had new issues adjusting to a WFH life [7] over the past year.
That's not all it's good for, though Learn about the (many!) other purposes it serves other than a welcome distraction ahead.
Reasons to Use a LickiMat Classic Soother
LickiMats [9] are rubber mats or bowls with textured tops that can fit all kinds of pet-safe foods. The licking releases endorphins that can help calm anxious dogs during distressing times like thunderstorms and baths, and also reduces the boredom that can turn destructive or distracting in everyday life.
Offering this also redirects inappropriate chewing and licking to something safe and, when frozen as seen here, really keeps pets occupied for long stretches of time. (I prefer this to other toys with a small opening that can be filled with treats as those are very hard to clean and, if your dog is like mine, he's only gonna try so long before deeming it not worth it when he can't get his tongue to any actual peanut butter inside.)
Then, while this isn't an issue for Beau, these can also be used to force pets to slow down their dinnertime if you've got a gobbler on your hands (and can help reduce the risk of bloat, too).
Ways to Use a LickiMat Classic Soother
As a special treat, I offer small portions of human foods my vet has approved for Beau's diet. Since today I had nonfat plain yoghurt and a banana for breakfast, I put a little bit of both on his LickiMat and popped it in the freezer as an afternoon snack. I've even used this to serve baby food my vet recommended as a bland diet during a past parasitic infection, or filled the whole tray with his regular Ollie meal [10] and served it unfrozen, too. You are only limited by your imagination when it comes to the concoctions you serve.*
While I use the classic Soother most often, I've rounded up the other styles that serve important purposes, including one just for bath time. (Oh, and if you have a cat [11], there are even a couple specifically for your kitty pals, too.)
*Please always check with a veterinarian before serving foods not explicitly made for dogs to your own pets.
LickiMat Classic Soother for Dogs
The LickiMat Classic Soother for Dogs [12] ($8) has tiny nubs to calm a pup as his repeated licking motion releases endorphins to help with anxiety or boredom. It works especially well with runny foods like yoghurt, and the tray can be frozen to last even longer (but don't put this one in the dishwasher when your pet's done).
LickiMat Classic Buddy for Dogs
The nubs on this LickiMat Classic Buddy for Dogs [13] ($8) are spaced out more so it's easier to spread chunkier treats. Plus, that design makes it easier to clean which is another bonus as this one also shouldn't go in the dishwasher either.
LickiMat Soother and LickiMat Buddy 2-Pack for Dogs
Or, grab both of those popular styles in this LickiMat Soother and LickiMat Buddy 2-Pack for Dogs [14] ($15), and save money in the process.
LickiMat Classic Buddy Large for Dogs
You don't need to have a bigger pooch to pick this LickiMat Classic Buddy Large for Dogs [15] ($15). It's exactly the same as the classic Buddy, just this one is an 11-inch square (versus 7.87 inches) so it just serves up more and distracts him for even longer.
LickiMat Tuff, Heavy-Duty Soother for Dogs
If your dog is a strong chewer, he may decide to dine on the mat after he's done licking out his food. This LickiMat Tuff, Heavy-Duty Soother for Dogs [16] ($15) work for pups who like to gnaw on things, and it can safely be placed in the dishwasher, too.
LickiMat Slomo for Dogs
This LickiMat Slomo for Dogs [17] ($14) is a good pick if you're trying to get a dog to eat slower (and the anxiety-reduction is an added bonus). The two quadrants with larger holes can serve up kibble and wet food can be smeared in the other sections as a mealtime bonus. Or, I especially love this for a special treat with blueberries in the larger holes and soft human foods like pureed pumpkin smeared in the other two.
LickiMat Wobble for Dogs
Really make pups work with this LickiMat Wobble for Dogs [18] ($16) which, as you may have guessed, teeters as they eat. Wet food can be smeared in on the bottom and that can be topped with his regular dry food to make dinnertime last longer for dogs who are prone to gulping all their food down seemingly in a few bites.
LickiMat Splash for Dogs
If you've ever wrestled with a dog at bath time, this LickiMat Splash for Dogs [19] ($16) is your new saviour. It features a large suction cup that can be attached to the tub so he can lick away at a special treat like peanut butter or cream cheese while you scrub. This also can be used on glass car windows (to distract on car trips) and on tile or floor (to distract during grooming or nail cutting) as well.
LickiMat Casper and LickiMat Felix for Cats
If you have a cat, this LickiMat Casper for Cats [20] ($8) is great for adult cats while the LickiMat Felix for Cats [21] ($8) can be used by kittens or adult cats as it has a less intricate pattern that makes it easier to get to food. (Neither of these should be placed in the dishwasher though.)