The constant Amazon and online ads have forced you into buying a lick mat for your fluffy friend, but you are facing difficulties in using it? And now you might be thinking what a waste of money, well that’s where you might be wrong!

Dog licking mats are highly recommended by the vets and experts, and rightfully so, because they are very beneficial for your dog’s health, you just have to learn how to use them and how to teach your dog to use them as well. 

This drain, maintain and train guide will teach you how you can drain off remaining food  and clean the lick mat after every use, how you can maintain them for longer use and how you might train your dogs to use it for their meal time. Now that you have spent your hard earned money on this famous product you might as well go through this guide and make your purchase worth it. 

But before we begin let’s discuss some of the benefits of the dog licking mat for your dog to give you a little motivation that your purchase was a good decision. 

Benefits of Lick Mats 

Lick mats have many physiological and psychological benefits for the dogs:

1. Soothing and stress releasing: Licking releases endorphins (the happy hormones) in a dog’s brain that can make them feel relaxed and stress-free.

2. Encourages slower eating habits in fast eaters: The textured surface of the lick mats don’t allow dogs to gulp the food all at once. As the food is stuck to the mat, it becomes a little challenging for them and they can only eat it by slow licking motions. 

3. Improves Dental health: The differently designed textures on the lick mat help clean the dog’s teeth and give a message to their gums which ensures there is no plaque or bacteria buildup on teeth. 

4. Reduces anxiety and self destructive behaviors: When dogs are anxious they tend to engage in self destructive and undesirable behaviors. Lick mats help them calm that energy while their attention is fully on licking the spreaded food on the mat. 

Let’s begin our guide with the first point:

Drain

Draining in this guide refers to the cleaning of the lick mat after your dog is done with their mealtime. The cleaning of the lickmat needs a comprehensive procedure that will ensure durability and long term use of the mat  and healthy outcomes for your dogs. 

Before jumping onto the step by step cleaning routine let’s get somethings out of the way: 

Cleaning in Dishwasher: While some lickmats are easy to clean as they go straight into the dishwasher, not all lick mats are dishwasher friendly- this depends on their material. Unless your lick mat is made from food-grade silicone, we would suggest not putting them in the dish-washer. If it is made from a lighter material the lick mat will wrap and bend in shape making it not useful anymore. 

Brush type: for cleaning purposes use any brush with soft bristles such as silicone or nylon, that are designed in a way that it can reach all the corners or sides of the mat and cleans the stuck food easily.  

Step to step guide for cleaning dog’s licking mat:

Step 1: Remove Residual Food

If the mat has been sitting dirty for some days or you used a hard to remove food on the lick mat then the most efficient way to clean is to rinse the mat or or let it sit in the warm water for 10-15 minutes to loosen the leftover food. After that scrape stubborn bits with your fingers/a spatula or if it’s a stubborn leftover food use a soft brush 

Step 2: Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Only water won’t do as it would be unhygienic for your dog. To clean off all the residuals and germs, prepare a mild cleaning solution using dish soap and warm water.

Step 3: Scrub the Mat

As mentioned earlier, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to clean thoroughly through the mat, focusing on grooves and crevices. For narrow corners or spaces, a small faced brush or a toothbrush is ideal. 

Step 4: Rinse Completely

Now again, run the mat under warm water until all soap is washed off. Ensure there’s no slipperiness by running your fingers along the surface and within the textures. 

Step 5: Dry Thoroughly

After rinsing it completely, shake it well to remove excess water and put on a dish rack or towel flat face up to let it  air dry. Ensure it’s completely dry before storing to prevent mold or bacteria.

Maintain 

We have some tips that can help you to maintain your dog’s licking mat to ensure it’s long lasting ability. Some of those tips are:

• As mentioned above, make sure the lick mat is dishwasher safe or not – check the packaging and use the top rack if it is safe. 
• Clean after each use and wash it the same day it was used. This prevents food buildup, which becomes hard to remove later and also prevents bacteria accumulation. 
• Sanitize after each cleaning. Soak the mat in a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar, 3 parts water) for 10–15 minutes. But make sure your dog is not sensitive to vinegar.
• Regularly inspect the licking mat for any kind of damages, molding or worn outs. Discard the mats with wear and tears to ensure safety.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals and cleaning products that could leave harmful residues for next use. 

By following these steps, you’ll keep your dog’s lick mat clean, durable, and ready for use!

Train

When you shift your dog from a regular dog bowl it is important to train them on how to eat from a challenging lick mat. You need to use proper ways to incorporate them into their daily routine to avoid any discomfort for them. 

Step 1: Choose the Right Lick Mat

Even if you have to do trial and testing with different brands, to select a mat with a suitable texture and size for your dog, don’t hesitate. Ensure the mat you choose is made from pet-safe, durable materials.

Step 2: Start with Familiar Treats

Spread a small amount of a treat your dog already loves, like peanut butter (xylitol-free), yogurt, or wet food. Use a thin layer to make it easy and rewarding at first.

Step 3: Introduce Gradually

Show the mat to your dog and let them sniff it, so they develop a familiarity. Place it on the floor and encourage them to lick by pointing to the treat. Try to keep the first few sessions short, around 5–10 minutes, to build interest without overwhelming them.

Step 4: Supervise the First Few Uses

At this stage, monitor your dog to ensure they don’t chew or damage the mat as it is still a new object to them and if they do gently redirect them. 

Step 5: Incorporate into Routine

Use the lick mat during calm times, such as after a walk, or as a distraction during grooming or baths. Offer it as an enrichment activity a few times a week.

Step 6: Maintain Consistency

Incorporate the lick mat into your dog’s daily or weekly routine for mental stimulation and stress relief. Gradually introduce new spreads or toppers or freeze the treats on it.

It’s No Rocket Science

Dog licking mats are more than just a trendy product; they are a valuable tool for improving your furry friend’s mental and physical well-being. 

With the use of this guide you can explore different ways to use the lick mat effectively and get the most out of your recent purchase for your dog. Using a lick mat is no rocket science, you just need to know the right ways to use it so your dog can enjoy rewarding and engaging meal time activities. 

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