LickiMat Boredom Busters: Why Every Dog Needs One

There’s something beautifully simple about a dog, a mat, and a quiet moment.
If you’ve ever seen your dog settle into rhythmic licking – eyes soft, breathing steady – you’ve witnessed calm in motion.

That’s the magic of the LickiMat.
Designed by Innovative Pet Products right here in Australia, it’s more than a feeding tool – it’s a daily ritual of calm, focus, and enrichment.

 

What Is a LickiMat?

A LickiMat is a flat, textured mat that holds soft foods like yoghurt, peanut butter, or wet dog food.
Instead of gulping their meal in seconds, your dog works patiently with their tongue to reach every bit – turning mealtime into a slow, soothing puzzle.

It’s a simple idea with big benefits.

LickiMats are recommended by vets and animal behaviourists worldwide for helping dogs:

• Reduce anxiety through repetitive licking (which releases calming endorphins).
• Ease boredom-related behaviours like barking, chewing, or pacing.
• Slow down eating to reduce bloating or gulping.
• Support oral hygiene by cleaning the tongue and promoting saliva flow.

In short: it’s mindfulness for dogs – designed for everyday life.

 

How to Use a LickiMat

Start simple with your dog’s favourite soft treat.

1. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter (xylitol-free), wet food, or mashed banana across the surface.
2. Place the mat down and let your dog explore.
3. Praise calm behaviour – licking, not chewing.

Once they get the idea, you can mix it up:

• Freeze it for a cool, long-lasting enrichment activity.
• Layer flavours like pumpkin purée, yoghurt, and kibble crumbs.
• Add scent by brushing on chamomile tea or goat’s milk.

Use it during grooming, nail trims, or vet visits to help your dog associate those moments with calm and reward.

💡 Tip: Supervise early sessions to ensure your dog licks, not chews.

 

Why Licking Calms Dogs

There’s solid science behind that soothing effect.

Repetitive licking triggers the release of endorphins – natural chemicals that lower heart rate and reduce stress. This makes the LickiMat not just a feeding aid, but a tool for emotional regulation.

Dogs that lick to relax are often more focused, more balanced, and less reactive over time.

Health Benefits: Beyond Calm

While most people use LickiMats for enrichment, there are physical perks too:

• Fresher breath – Licking helps remove bacteria from the tongue.
• Healthier gums – Increased saliva supports natural cleaning.
• Better digestion – Slow feeding improves nutrient absorption.

Small daily moments like these build long-term wellbeing – one lick at a time.

 

Meet the LickiMat Family

Each design has its own purpose:

• Buddy: Cross-maze texture – great for chunky foods like mince or fish.
• Playdate: Square pockets – perfect for mashed or spreadable treats.
• Soother: Raised bumps – best for runny foods like yoghurt, gravy, or broth.
• Slomo: Deep waffle pattern – ideal for mixing wet and dry foods, helping manage portions.

All LickiMats are made from non-toxic, food-grade TPR – a durable, rubber-like material – and measure around 20 x 20 cm, perfect for cats, puppies, and small to medium dogs.

They’re easy to hand wash and built to last with proper care.

 

A Simple Ritual for Calm

At SniffLab™, we believe calm starts with instinct.

Few tools honour that natural rhythm like the LickiMat.

It transforms ordinary moments – breakfast, bath time, or quiet waiting – into opportunities for focus and connection.

Because sometimes, the simplest designs make the biggest difference.

 

Further Reading from The Lab

If you enjoyed this, you might also like:

• 5 Unique Dog Enrichment Ideas for Real Life – Activities that balance curiosity and calm.
• 5 Rainy Day Dog Games – Indoor play ideas to keep your dog mentally sharp and content.
• Why Sniffing Is Your Dog’s Superpower – The science behind scent, focus, and relaxation.