Lick Mats for Pomsky Dogs

Pomsky dogs are active and curious dogs that are motivated by treats. A lick mat is a great way to give a pomsky dog longer lasting treats, with ingredients you have in your home. This post includes the benefits of using a lick mat, best times to use a lick mat, how to prepare a lick mat and the top lick mats we recommend for pomskies.

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Benefits of Using a Lick Mat

A lick mat is typically a thin, flexible square made out of silicone or rubber, with a variety of textures on top. You can spread foods such as peanut butter or yogurt, and crumble small treats to fill in the dips and grooves of the rubber mat. Lick mats provide longer lasting treats to keep dogs entertained, but they also provide the following benefits:

Reduce Anxiety: The act of repetitive licking has a calming effect for many dogs. A lick mat gives your pomsky something to focus on during situations when they be stressed such as when there are fireworks, thunderstorms, trick or treaters, or unfamiliar guests in your home.
Redirect Licking: When a dog is nervous you might see them licking their paws or chewing on their legs. A lick mat redirects their licking to a tasty treat and prevents them from hair loss, dry skin, and other issues that come with excessive licking.
Prevent Boredom: Pomsky dogs require mental and physical stimulation throughout their day. Give your pomsky a lick mat to provide them an outlet for their energy, allow them to problem solve how to clean the mat, and prevent them from being bored which could otherwise could result in destructive behaviors.
Provide Positive Associations: Bring a lick mat with you when your puppy is going for a ride in the car, getting their nails trimmed, going to a friend’s house, or taking a bath. Your pomsky puppy will learn to associate their new experiences with the tasty treats they receive, which will help them socialize with new people and environments.

When to use a Lick Mat

A lick mat can be used any time and any day to provide your pomsky mental exercise in the form of a tasty treat. We recommend you supervise your pomsky while they are using the lick mat and remove it once all of the treats have been licked off. Other times when lick mats are beneficial include:

During nail trimming
When giving a bath (make sure your lick mat has suction cups on the back)
During car rides
If there are fireworks or thunderstorms
When there is a maintenance or repair person in your home
During holiday gatherings at your home
When bringing your pomsky to a friend or family member’s house

How to Prepare a Lick Mat

Start with a spreadable healthy treat such as peanut butter, yogurt, canned pumpkin, smashed sweet potatoes, smashed bananas, or apple sauce.
Add pieces of dog food on top, making sure they are evenly dispersed and some are pushed into dips and grooves.
Add additional dog treats such as freeze-dried chicken, soft training treats, crumbled biscuits (Bocce’s Bakery Biscuits are our favorite!), or other treats you have available. If you are wanting to add more color and variety, use things you have in your refrigerator such as peas, carrots, shredded cheddar cheese, or other dog friendly foods.

Optional: You can freeze the lick mat to solidify some of the softer ingredients and make it even more challenging for your pomsky dog. Be sure to clean your lick mat frequently to prevent bacteria from growing.

Lick Mats for Pomskies

Lukito Licking Mat for Dogs: This lick mat comes in a pack of two and has suction cups on the back to keep it in place on the floor or wall. Each lick mat is divided into 4 sections, with each section having a different texture for your pomsky to experience.

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Lickin' Layers: This interactive lick mat is a circular shape and has 3 different layers that spin to reveal treats. Each layer has different shapes to fit a variety of foods and treats. This toy has a more solid base than other lick mats (which are typically made of flexible silicone and rubber and can easily fold in half).

Mighty Paw Dog Lick Pad: This lick mat is a rectangular shape divided into 4 quadrants, with each section having a different texture. This lick mat has suction cups on the back to keep it in place while your pomsky dog enjoys their treat.

Summary

Use a lick mat to provide your pomsky dog mental stimulation, extend their treat time, and prevent then from getting bored. Lick mats are easy to prepare with ingredients you already have in your home, and they have many benefits including reducing your dog’s anxiety and providing positive associations with new experiences.