Lick mat ideas for rainy days and long drives
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Lick mats filled with freeze-dried treats are not just bath time tools. They fill rainy afternoons at home and keep dogs occupied during long car rides when you need them to stay still.
Rainy day strategy
Rotate mats to keep your dog interested. If you have two or three different designs, one novelty helps on a day when outdoor play isn't an option. The Modern Dog Company makes five designs: It's a Birthday Pawty, Disco Cowgirl, Ball is Life, Farmer's Market, and Munch'n and Brunch'n. All are 100% food-grade silicone with suction cups.
Freeze multiple mats ahead
On a free afternoon, prep three or four mats with peanut butter and crumbled freeze-dried treats, then freeze them. Pull one out each rainy day for a ready-made activity. Each frozen mat buys you 20 to 30 minutes of focus.
Mix textures
SodaPup eMats offer different patterns and difficulties. The Sky eMat has a medium-difficulty cloud pattern. The Zombie eMat uses a skull design, also medium. Having both means your dog sees something new each time.
Car ride prep
Freeze mats the night before travel. Pack them in a cooler with ice packs. They'll thaw slowly during the ride, lasting through a few hours of driving. Bring a towel to catch any drips on car seats.
Rest stop routine
Stop every two to three hours. Pull out a frozen mat while your dog stretches. Let them work on it outside the car, or hand it to them on the seat after a potty break. A 15-minute mat session buys you another two hours of quiet travel.
Crate time at hotels
In a hotel, offer a mat when your dog goes in the crate for the night. Stick a suction-cup mat to the bathroom tile, load it with peanut butter and freeze-dried treats, and let your dog settle in with something engaging.
In the Toys aisle
It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, $20.00. Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, $20.00. Ball is Life Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, $20.00. Farmer's Market Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, $20.00. Munch'n and Brunch'n Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, $20.00. Sky eMat, SodaPup, light blue, $16.99. Zombie eMat, SodaPup, black or orange, $15.99 each.
How it ships
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. 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. Our freeze-dried treats are made in Malvern, Pennsylvania and ship separately from us.
Questions
How many mats should I have for rainy day rotation?
Three is ideal. You can prep them all at once, freeze them, and have one ready to go each time. If you have only one mat, washing between uses takes time.
What's the best thing to pack for a car ride?
Frozen mats with peanut butter and crumbled freeze-dried treats. They're light, mess-free, and engaging. Pack them in a cooler with ice packs so they thaw slowly during the drive.
My dog gets car sick. Will a mat help?
Offering a mat might redirect attention, but a car-sick dog needs ventilation and frequent stops more than a lick mat. Talk to your dog's veterinarian about motion sickness before a long trip.
Can I put a mat in the car seat without a towel?
Thawed spreads can stain. Use a towel or a waterproof car seat cover underneath. Frozen mats hold together well, but thawing near the end of the ride might drip.
Do I need different mats for home and travel?
No. Use the same mats everywhere. Having duplicates of your favorite design lets you freeze multiple mats at once, which is convenient for frequent travelers.
Pack lick mat bundles with freeze-dried treat bundles for road trips. Browse all options on our Explore page.
