How to Use a Lick Mat for Dogs: A Complete Beginner's Guide

If you just got a lick mat for your dog and you are not sure how to use it, this guide covers everything: what fillings to use, how to set it up, how long sessions should last, and how to get the most anxiety-relieving effect from it.

What You Need

  • A lick mat (the Zen Lick Mat by CrazyPawz comes with a suction cup and spatula)
  • A spreadable filling your dog loves: peanut butter, plain yogurt, wet food, canned pumpkin, cream cheese
  • A spatula or spoon to spread the filling

Step 1: Choose Your Filling

Any spreadable food your dog loves works. The most popular choices:

  • Peanut butter — must be xylitol-free (check the label; xylitol is toxic to dogs). This is the #1 go-to because almost all dogs are obsessed with it and it sticks well in the texture channels.
  • Plain Greek yogurt — great for dogs who are sensitive to richness. Provides probiotics too. Freeze for a longer-lasting session.
  • Canned pumpkin — plain, not pumpkin pie filling. Very healthy, high in fiber, easy on digestion. Freezes well.
  • Wet dog food — familiar flavor, easy to spread. Great for picky dogs or introducing the mat for the first time.
  • Cream cheese — very palatable for most dogs. Use plain, unflavored.

Step 2: Spread the Filling

Use the included spatula to press the filling into the textured channels of the mat. The goal is to fill the grooves, not just coat the surface. Getting filling into the texture is what makes the licking last longer.

Aim for a thin but thorough layer throughout. You do not need a thick coating — the texture does the work.

Step 3: Decide: Fresh or Frozen?

You can give the lick mat fresh (room temperature) or frozen. Here is the difference:

  • Fresh — lasts 10 to 15 minutes. Good for shorter calming sessions like bath time or a quick distraction.
  • Frozen — lasts 20 to 40 minutes. Best for separation anxiety, thunderstorms, or extended calm. Place the filled mat flat in the freezer for 2+ hours before giving it.

For your first time, give it fresh so your dog gets used to the mat. Once they love it, switch to frozen for maximum benefit.

Step 4: Use It at the Right Moment

Timing is everything for the calming effect. Give the lick mat before the stressor, not after the dog is already anxious. The licking needs time to activate the serotonin response.

  • Separation anxiety: give it 10 minutes before you leave
  • Bath time: mount on the shower wall with the suction cup before you bring the dog in
  • Thunderstorm: start 15 minutes before the storm peaks
  • Vet visit: give in the car on the way there
  • Grooming: set up before you get out the tools

Step 5: Mount on a Wall (Optional but Recommended)

The Zen Lick Mat has a suction cup on the back. For bath time and grooming, stick it to the shower wall, bathroom tile, or any smooth surface at your dog's nose height. This keeps your dog focused forward and stationary while you work.

Make sure the surface is clean and dry before pressing the suction cup on for a strong hold.

How Often Can You Use It?

Daily is fine for healthy dogs with appropriate fillings. Many owners incorporate it into every meal as an enrichment routine, or use it during specific anxiety-triggering events.

Limit high-fat fillings like cream cheese and peanut butter to a few times per week if your dog has a sensitive stomach. For daily use, plain pumpkin or diluted wet food are gentler options.

Cleaning the Lick Mat

The Zen Lick Mat is dishwasher safe — top rack. For hand washing, use a brush to get into the texture channels. Rinse thoroughly. Let air dry completely before the next use if freezing.

Get Started

The CrazyPawz Zen Lick Mat comes with a suction cup and spatula. Four colors available. Use code CRAZYPAWZ15 for 15% off your first order.

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