Frozen lick mat ideas for summer car shows
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A frozen lick mat is a car show essential. The cold keeps your dog occupied for 30 minutes or more, the activity keeps her from getting overheated or stressed in the event environment, and the freeze-dried treats hold her attention longer than warm spreads. The key is prep: load and freeze the mats at home before you leave.
Preparing frozen mats the night before
Load each mat lightly the evening before the show. Press crumbles of our freeze-dried beef liver into the grooves, add a small splash of water to bind them, and freeze overnight in a shallow container so it's easy to pack. By car show time, the mats are rock solid and will stay cold in a small cooler for several hours.
Which mats freeze best
SodaPup's eMats, like the Sky eMat (16.99 dollars), Zombie eMat (15.99 dollars), and Citrus eMat with suction cups (15.99 dollars), all work well frozen. The Modern Dog Company's It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat (17.00 dollars) and Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat (17.00 dollars) also freeze solidly and thaw slowly.
Packing for the show
Bring the frozen mat in a small insulated bag or a ziplock pouch surrounded by ice packs. The mat stays frozen longer if you don't expose it to air. Pack it last, pull it out last, and it will last through most of the event.
Supervising outdoor use
At a car show, keep the frozen mat with you. As it thaws, small pieces can come loose. Supervise your dog the whole time and don't leave her alone with it. If she's on a leash or in a tent, you can keep an eye on her while she works the mat.
In the Toys aisle
The Sky eMat in light blue or yellow, 16.99 dollars, is a reliable all-purpose mat that freezes well. The Zombie eMat in black or orange, 15.99 dollars, is smaller and portable. The Citrus eMat with suction cups in lime green, orange or pink, 15.99 dollars, can anchor to a tent or cooler wall. The Modern Dog Company's It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, and Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, are both solid choices that freeze into pleasant distractions.
How it ships
SodaPup products are sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by SodaPup in Longmont, Colorado, usually within one business day, with their own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift. Sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by The Modern Dog Company in Nashville, Tennessee, usually within five business days, with its own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift. Our freeze-dried treats are made in Malvern, Pennsylvania and ship separately from us. Pair with our bundles for summer events.
Questions
How long do frozen lick mats stay frozen in a cooler?
With ice packs or a freezer block, 3 to 4 hours is typical for a small cooler in warm weather. A larger cooler extends that to 6 or more hours. Pack it tight to keep the cold in.
Can I reuse the same mat at multiple events?
Yes. Wash it between uses with soap and water, let it dry fully, then load and freeze it again. These mats are durable and last for years.
What treats work best on a frozen mat?
Our freeze-dried beef liver, beef tripe, or sardines work well. Crumble them into small pieces and press them into the grooves before freezing. The freeze-dried pieces stay bound to the mat longer than wet spreads.
Should I let my dog chew on a frozen mat?
Supervise closely. The mat is meant for licking, not heavy chewing. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, remove the mat if she starts biting hard on it. The cold can also cause tooth sensitivity in some dogs.
Can I bring a frozen mat to an indoor event?
Yes, but it thaws quickly indoors. Bring a mat intended for that setting and keep it in a cooler if you need it to last long.
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