Helping Your Dog Find Calm Through Enrichment

Dogs can experience anxiety and stress for various reasons—separation anxiety, loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms, vet visits, or even changes in their environment. One simple yet scientifically backed way to help your dog self-soothe and find comfort is by using a Licki Mat.

Licki Mats aren’t just fun feeding tools; they are based on behavioural science, neurobiology, and positive reinforcement training. By encouraging repetitive licking, Licki Mats help trigger endorphins, promote mental stimulation, and create positive associations with stressful experiences.

This article will explore:
The science behind Licki Mats and why they work
A step-by-step guide on how to use them properly
Dog-safe foods and calming recipes to use on a Licki Mat.

 

The Science Behind Licki Mats: Why They Reduce Anxiety

1. Licking Releases Endorphins & Promotes Calmness

One of the primary reasons Licki Mats are effective for stress reduction is their ability to trigger the release of endorphins.

Scientific Explanation:

• Endorphins are natural neurotransmitters that promote feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
• Repetitive licking activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), responsible for calming the body.
• Licking helps reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), lowering anxiety levels.

Supporting Research:

• Bennett et al. (2017) found that licking and chewing behaviours decrease stress-related behaviours in dogs.
• Studies on cattle and rodents show that licking is linked to reduced heart rate and lower cortisol levels (Schwarz et al., 2019).

Takeaway: Licki Mats encourage repetitive licking, which naturally soothes the dog’s nervous system, helping them self-regulate their emotions.

2. Slow Feeding & The Gut-Brain Connection

Licki Mats slow down eating, which directly impacts neurological and digestive health.

Scientific Explanation:

• Fast eating can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, which is linked to increased stress responses.
• The gut-brain axis is a communication network between the digestive system and the brain.
• Slow feeding activates the vagus nerve, which sends calming signals to the brain.

Supporting Research:

• The vagus nerve plays a key role in emotional regulation (Porges, 2011).
• Slow feeding reduces bloating, indigestion, and regurgitation, which can otherwise cause physical discomfort and stress in dogs (Kopečný et al., 2020).

Takeaway: A Licki Mat prevents fast eating, reducing stomach upset and engaging the vagus nerve, which promotes relaxation.

3. Saliva Production & Oral Health Benefits

Licking stimulates saliva production, which has oral health benefits.

Scientific Explanation:

• Saliva contains enzymes like lysozyme and amylase, which help break down bacteria and prevent plaque buildup.
• Increased saliva production lowers oral bacteria, reducing the risk of bad breath, gingivitis, and dental infections.

Supporting Research:

• Studies on salivary enzymes in dogs indicate that saliva helps regulate oral microbiota, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria (Gawor et al., 2018).

Takeaway: Licki Mats help clean the tongue and teeth, leading to better dental hygiene and fresher breath.

4. Reduces Boredom & Prevents Destructive Behaviour

Many behavioural problems, such as chewing, barking, and digging, stem from boredom and anxiety.

Scientific Explanation:

• Dogs need mental stimulation to stay engaged and prevent frustration.
• Licking engages the cognitive processing centres in the brain, keeping dogs focused and entertained.
• The dopamine reward system is triggered, reinforcing calm behaviour.

Supporting Research:

• Horváth et al. (2020) found that mental enrichment activities (like puzzle feeders) increase dopamine levels, promoting relaxation and happiness in dogs.

Takeaway: Licki Mats act as low-effort problem-solving tools, keeping dogs occupied and reducing frustration-related behaviours.

5. Temperature Therapy: Frozen Licki Mats for Stress Relief

Cold temperatures have additional calming effects on a dog’s body.

Scientific Explanation:

• Cold exposure stimulates the trigeminal nerve, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.

Supporting Research:

• Cooling therapy is widely used in humans and animals to lower anxiety and inflammatory responses (Schulze et al., 2017).

Takeaway: Freezing a Licki Mat extends licking time while providing sensory enrichment that enhances relaxation.

6. Creating Positive Associations with Stressful Situations

Licki Mats can retrain a dog’s brain to associate stressful situations with positive reinforcement.

Scientific Explanation:

• Classical conditioning (Pavlov, 1897) suggests that pairing an enjoyable activity with a stressful event can help change emotional responses over time.

Supporting Research:

• Studies on behavioural modification in anxious dogs show that counter-conditioning with food-based rewards helps reduce fear responses (Overall, 2013).

Takeaway: Giving your dog a Licki Mat before a stressful event (e.g., vet visit or car ride) can help them develop a positive emotional response.

 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a Licki Mat for Anxiety

Step 1: Choose the Right Licki Mat

Textured mats – Best for enrichment and stress relief.
Rubber or hard mats – Ideal for chewers.

Step 2: Pick a Dog-Safe Spread

Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
Greek yogurt
Pumpkin purée
Cottage cheese

Step 3: Spread the Food Evenly on the Mat

Press food into grooves using a spoon or spatula.

Step 4: Freeze for a Longer-Lasting Treat

Freeze for 1-3 hours for cooling relief and extended licking time.

Step 5: Serve in a Safe Space

Place on a non-slip surface to prevent movement.

Step 6: Clean the Licki Mat After Use

Dishwasher-safe mats – Top rack, gentle cycle.
Hand-washing – Soak in warm soapy water, scrub with a brush.

 

Calming Licki Mat Recipes

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Bliss

2 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter
1 mashed banana

2. Pumpkin & Chamomile Comfort

¼ cup pure pumpkin purée
1 tbsp chamomile tea

3. Greek yogurt with blueberries and honey

¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup mashed blueberries
1 tsp honey

Why it works: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support brain health, while yogurt provides probiotics for digestion and gut-brain connection benefits.

4. Salmon & Coconut Oil Soother

Ingredients:
¼ cup cooked, flaked salmon
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp Greek yogurt

Why it works: Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon help regulate brain function and emotional balance, while coconut oil supports calmness and skin health.

5. Apple & Cottage Cheese Cool Down

Ingredients:
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup cottage cheese
1 tsp ground flaxseed (optional)

Why it works: Cottage cheese is rich in protein and calcium, apples provide natural fiber for gut health, and flaxseed supports brain and immune function.

 

Licki Mats are more than just a fun treat dispenser—they are a scientifically backed tool for reducing anxiety, promoting mental stimulation, and improving your dog’s overall wellbeing.

The Science Shows That Licki Mats:
Encourage endorphin release, reducing anxiety and stress.
Engage the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and gut-brain balance.
Prevent destructive behaviours, providing an effective boredom buster.
Support dental health by increasing saliva production.
Create positive associations with stressful situations like vet visits or car rides.

Whether your dog suffers from separation anxiety, fear of thunderstorms, or just needs extra enrichment, a Licki Mat is a simple, effective, and affordable solution to enhance their quality of life.

Final Pro Tip: For maximum anxiety relief, try rotating different calming ingredients like chamomile yogurt, banana, pumpkin, and honey, and freeze the mat for extended licking time!

Would you like personalized Licki Mat recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs? Let me know!