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ByGavin Levenstein

Do Lick Mats Calm Dogs? How to Build a Relaxation Station (+ Best Calm Toys)

Many pets, especially dogs and cats, experience stress just like we do. Common triggers include being left alone, fireworks or thunderstorms, grooming and vet visits, changes at home, or simple over-stimulation. One of the simplest ways to help your pet decompress is through calm, repetitive licking and gentle chewing.

When pets lick, they settle into a predictable rhythm that can help them relax. Routine “calm time” with a lick mat can become a reliable cue for your pet: this is the time we unwind.

  • Primary intent: help you decide if lick mats calm dogs (and cats), learn what to put on them, how long to use them, how to use them safely, and which products to choose.

Shop Lick Mats | Shop Calm Toys | Bundle: Calm Starter Kit

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What Is a Lick Mat and How It Calms Dogs and Cats

A lick mat is a textured silicone or rubber surface you spread with soft food. The grooves slow your pet down and encourage repetitive licking, which:

  • Promotes focus and settles arousal
  • Turns treats into a longer, richer activity
  • Helps many pets cope with mild anxiety in a safe, constructive way

Why licking helps:

  • Repetitive oral behaviors like licking and gentle chewing are associated with relaxation and may help moderate stress hormones when used as part of a predictable enrichment routine.
  • Calm routines create positive anticipation and predictability, two pillars of emotional safety for pets.

Note: Lick mats are a tool, not a cure. For severe anxiety, work with your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional and use a lick mat as part of a broader plan.

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Set Up a Relaxation Station (Step-by-Step)

1) Choose a quiet spot Pick a low-traffic corner, a comfy crate, or a quiet room you can consistently use.

2) Soften the space Add a washable blanket or bed, soft lighting, and low-volume background sound. Some pets relax to gentle instrumental music or white noise.

3) Add your calm tools

  • A prepared lick mat (see recipes below)
  • One calming toy for gentle chewing or snuggling
  • Optional: a heartbeat plush for puppies or nervous adoptees

4) Keep it predictable Offer “calm time” at the same times each day so your pet learns the rhythm. Pair departures, thunderstorms, or grooming with pre-prepared mats.

Pro tip: Freeze 2–3 mats ahead of time so you’re always ready when stress hits.

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Vet-Friendly Lick Mat Recipes (Dogs and Cats)

General guidance

  • Keep toppings soft, simple, and xylitol-free.
  • Avoid onion, garlic, grapes/raisins, excessive salt, and artificial sweeteners.
  • If your pet has pancreatitis, allergies, or is on a therapeutic diet, ask your vet before changing foods.

Dog recipes

  • Peanut Butter & Banana (dogs only): 2 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter + 1/2 ripe banana. Optional pinch of ground flax. Freeze for longer sessions.
  • Yogurt & Blueberry: 2 tbsp plain unsweetened yogurt + 1/4 cup mashed blueberries.
  • Pumpkin & Turkey Purée: 2 tbsp plain pumpkin (not pie filling) + 1 tbsp cooked shredded turkey.
  • Low-fat dental-friendly: 2 tbsp low-fat plain yogurt or vet-approved dental mousse + finely mashed steamed carrots.

Cat recipes

  • Tuna & Sweet Potato: 1 tsp tuna in water (drained) + 1 tbsp mashed cooked sweet potato.
  • Chicken Broth Swirl: 2 tbsp unsalted, onion/garlic-free bone broth gelatin + a smear of plain pumpkin.
  • Churu-style puree: Squeeze a tube of cat puree across the grooves; add a few flakes of cooked chicken.

Frozen lick mat ideas

  • Layer thin spreads (e.g., yogurt then pumpkin), freeze between layers for 2–3 hours.
  • For slower lickers, add a tiny sprinkle of their kibble before freezing to add interest.

Download: 10 Vet-Friendly Lick Mat Recipes (Free PDF)

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How Long Should a Lick Mat Session Last?

  • First-timers and puppies/kittens: 5–10 minutes while supervised
  • Most adult pets: 10–20 minutes
  • Frozen mats: 15–30 minutes (depending on spread and texture)

How often?

  • Daily is fine for most pets. Start with 1 session a day and adjust to your pet’s energy and calorie needs.

Signs it’s time to stop:

  • Rapid frustration (pawing, biting at the mat)
  • Over-arousal or guarding behavior
  • Finished the spread

If your pet starts chewing the mat, lift it away and switch to a durable calm chew. Only offer the mat during calm time and put it away when finished.

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Bath and Grooming Hack: Using a Suction Lick Mat

For dogs who dread baths or nail trims, a suction lick mat can turn stress into success.

Quick how-to 1) Smear a thin layer of spread on a suction lick mat (peanut butter, yogurt, or pumpkin for dogs; puree for cats). 2) Press it firmly at nose height on clean tiles or a shower wall. 3) Start water or clippers on the lowest, quietest setting; keep sessions short at first. 4) Praise, rinse, and remove the mat as soon as you’re done.

Shop: Suction lick mat for bath time

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Best Lick Mats and Calming Toys in 2025 [South Africa]

We hand-pick calm gear that’s safe, practical, and easy to clean. Availability and pricing may vary—check the product page for current details.

1) TailMe Calm Lick Mat (Dishwasher-Safe Silicone)

  • Best for: Everyday calming, most dogs and cats
  • Features: BPA-free, freezer-friendly, multiple textures
  • Pros: Easy clean-up; great grip; ideal for beginner routines
  • Consider: Supervise heavy chewers
  • CTA: Shop lick mats

2) TailMe Suction Lick Mat for Bath Time

  • Best for: Grooming, vet-care prep, bath desensitisation
  • Features: Strong suction cups, rim to reduce drips
  • Pros: Keeps heads up and hands free; bathroom-ready
  • Consider: Apply to smooth, clean surfaces only
  • CTA: Shop suction lick mat

3) TailMe Heavy-Chewer Lick Plate (Thick Silicone)

  • Best for: Enthusiastic lickers who may nibble
  • Features: Thicker silicone, low-profile texture
  • Pros: More durable; suitable under close supervision
  • Consider: Always remove when the spread is gone
  • CTA: Heavy chewer lick mat

4) TailMe Heartbeat Puppy Soother Plush

  • Best for: Night-time settling, new rescues, separation training
  • Features: Gentle heartbeat module, soft washable cover
  • Pros: Eases first nights and crate-training
  • Consider: Not a chew toy—supervise and remove chewed parts
  • CTA: Calming toys for puppies

Bundle and save Calm Starter Kit: lick mat + suction mat + heartbeat plush + recipe PDF. Get the bundle

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Lick Mat vs Snuffle Mat vs Kong: When to Use Each

  • Lick mat: Best for decompression, bath time, crate settling, post-walk wind-downs; low mess, easy pacing.
  • Snuffle mat: Best for nose-work and scavenging; great for meals; encourages foraging instincts.
  • Stuffable toy (e.g., Kong-style): Best for solo crate time and longer sessions; can be frozen; more durable for moderate chewers.

Many families rotate all three to keep enrichment varied and engaging.

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Daily Calming Routines You Can Try

Separation-anxiety friendly exit

  • 10 minutes of gentle play/sniffing
  • Offer a frozen lick mat in the Relaxation Station
  • Quietly leave; no long goodbyes
  • On return, greet calmly and pick up the mat

Night-time settling for puppies

  • Last wee break
  • Dim lights, heartbeat plush in crate/bed
  • 5–10 minutes of lick mat time, then lights out

Seasonal stress moments

  • Fireworks or thunder: close curtains, white noise, prepare a frozen mat, add a safe hideout.
  • Moving house or visitors: set up the Relaxation Station in advance, use familiar scents and mats to anchor routine.

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Safety, Cleaning, and Supervision Tips

  • Choose BPA-free, food-grade silicone.
  • Wash with warm water and pet-safe soap; top-rack dishwasher if the product allows.
  • Avoid xylitol, artificial sweeteners, onion, garlic, grapes/raisins, macadamia nuts, and excess salt or fat.
  • Supervise all new mats and toys. If your pet tries to chew or ingest the mat, redirect to a durable chew and remove the mat when the food is gone.
  • Puppies and seniors: use softer spreads and shallow textures; keep sessions short.

If your pet has medical issues (e.g., pancreatitis, kidney disease, food allergies), check with your vet before starting new toppers.

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FAQs: Puppies, Cats, Chewers, Ingredients

Do lick mats actually calm dogs? Often, yes. For many pets, the repetitive, low-effort licking helps them shift into a calmer state and focus on a simple task. They’re most effective when paired with a predictable routine and an overall behavior plan for anxiety.

Are lick mats safe for puppies and cats? Yes—with the right spread and supervision. Pick shallow textures and small amounts for little tummies. Cats may prefer broths or smooth purees; many do poorly with dairy.

How long should a session last? Generally 10–20 minutes for adults; 5–10 for puppies/kittens; up to 30 minutes if frozen. End while your pet is still calm.

What can I put on a lick mat? Dogs: xylitol-free peanut butter, plain yogurt, pumpkin, mashed banana, blended veggies, vet-approved dental mousse. Cats: tuna in water (drained), smooth chicken puree, onion/garlic-free broth gel, a small smear of pumpkin. When in doubt, keep it simple and ask your vet.

How do I stop my dog chewing the mat? Use low-profile, thicker mats for heavy chewers, keep spreads thin so they finish sooner, supervise closely, and remove the mat as soon as the spread is gone. Rotate in a durable chew if needed.

Can lick mats help with crate training or bath time? Absolutely. A suction mat during bathing and a frozen mat for short crate sessions can change your pet’s emotional picture of those activities.

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Helpful Internal Links

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Evidence and Further Reading

  • Odendaal JSJ, Meintjes RA. Neurophysiological correlates of affiliative behaviour between humans and dogs. The Veterinary Journal. 2003;165(3):296–301.
  • Beerda B, Schilder MBH, van Hooff JARAM, et al. Behavioural and hormonal indicators of enduring environmental stress in dogs. Animal Welfare. 1999;8:3–11.
  • Landsberg G, Hunthausen W, Ackerman L. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat (3rd ed.). Elsevier; 2013.

These sources discuss how calming, predictable interactions and enrichment influence stress physiology and behavior. Your lick-mat routine leverages the same principles.

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What TailMe Customers Are Saying

  • “Bath time went from a wrestling match to a three-minute spa day with the suction mat.” — Thando M.
  • “Our anxious rescue now trots to her Relaxation Station when storms roll in.” — Carla V.

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Conclusion: Calm Is a Learned Behavior

Just like muscles get stronger with practice, calm gets easier when you make it a daily habit. Lick mats and soothing toys give your pet a simple, satisfying task that nudges the nervous system toward rest. Start small, keep sessions short and sweet, and build a routine your pet can count on. You’ll both feel the difference.

Shop Lick Mats | Shop Calm Toys | Download 10 Recipes (Free)

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