Lick Mats
Licking is a self-soothing behaviour that releases calming endorphins. Spread something tasty across a textured mat and your pet has to work at it — which keeps them happily occupied through baths, grooming and nail trims.
Why licking calms pets down
Repetitive licking releases endorphins and lowers a pet’s heart rate, which is why a loaded lick mat is the trick groomers and vets use to get through a nail trim or examination without a struggle. Stick it to the side of the bath and a dread-the-bath dog suddenly has a job to do.
It works for cats too, and for both species it’s a gentle distraction during alone-time, car journeys or fireworks.
What to put on a lick mat
Spread something soft and lickable thin: wet food, plain natural yoghurt, mashed banana, a smear of dog-safe peanut butter (xylitol-free), or pumpkin purée. Freeze it for a longer-lasting, teething-soothing treat in summer.
Choose a mat with a suction base so it stays put, and rinse or pop it in the dishwasher afterwards — soft food sets hard in the grooves if left.
Everything here is chosen to be genuinely useful in everyday life with your pet — quality-checked, fairly priced and shipped tracked across the UK. For any health concern, your vet is always the best first port of call.
Common questions
What can I put on a lick mat for my dog?
Anything soft and spreadable: wet food, plain unsweetened yoghurt, mashed banana, pumpkin purée, or xylitol-free peanut butter. Freeze it for a longer-lasting treat in hot weather.
Do lick mats really calm dogs?
Yes — the repetitive licking releases calming endorphins and lowers arousal, which is why they help during grooming, baths, nail trims, car trips and fireworks.
Can cats use lick mats too?
Absolutely — smear on a little wet food, cat-safe paste or a spoon of plain yoghurt. They’re great for slowing down a fast-eating cat and for vet-visit distraction.
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