Lick mats for small dogs: shallow textures
Share
A small dog works best with a lick mat that fits her mouth and our freeze-dried treats can load perfectly. Shallow grooves and a smaller size, about 4 to 6 inches, let a toy breed or small dog engage without frustration. These mats are lighter to move around and freeze faster than larger versions.
Size for small mouths
A small dog's mouth and paws should be able to cover the mat comfortably. Mats about 4 inches square work perfectly. This size lets her lick without her nose bouncing off the edge. Small mats also thaw faster, which is good for small dogs who lose interest quickly in their feeding.
Shallow groove depth
Small dogs often have sensitive mouths. Shallow, gentle grooves are more inviting than deep crevices that require excessive pressure. The Modern Dog Company's mats are designed with shallow textures ideal for small dogs. Pink Papyrus mats are also shallow and suited to toy breeds.
Loading tips
Don't overload. A thin layer of yogurt with a few crumbles of our freeze-dried beef liver or sardines is plenty. Small dogs get full quickly, so a light load lets them finish and feel satisfied without waste or disinterest.
Freezing small mats
Small mats freeze and thaw quickly, which is great for small dogs with shorter attention spans. Freeze for 20 to 30 minutes rather than the full 45. This gives you a nice cold mat that thaws at the right pace for her to stay interested through the whole session.
Rotating mats for variety
Keep two or three small mats on hand and rotate them. This keeps enrichment fresh and her interest high. When one mat gets old, swap it for another. Small dogs notice the change and get excited about the novelty.
In the Toys aisle
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 designed with shallow patterns suited to small dogs. The Ball is Life Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, rounds out the line. Pink Papyrus makes the Pink Dog & Cat Lick Mat, 12.99 dollars, and Yellow Dog & Cat Lick Mat, 12.99 dollars, both sized for small dogs and cats.
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. Sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by Pink Papyrus Co., 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. Load your mat with our treats.
Questions
Will a small mat hold my small dog's interest?
Yes, if you load it properly. Start with a light amount of yogurt and a few treat crumbles. Freeze it for 20 to 30 minutes, then present it. Most small dogs work the mat for 10 to 20 minutes of focused activity.
Can I use a small mat for multiple small dogs?
Not at the same time. Get one mat per dog if you have more than one. Small dogs can be protective of food, and mats can trigger guarding behavior.
Is there a mat that works for both a small dog and a large dog?
Not really. A mat sized for a small dog will bore a large dog. A mat sized for a large dog overwhelms a small dog. Two different mats work best if you have mixed sizes.
How long does a frozen mat stay cold?
A small frozen mat thaws faster than a large one because there's less mass. Expect 15 to 30 minutes of solid coldness before it softens on a warm day.
What if my small dog won't use a mat?
Some small dogs are pickier about textures. Try a different mat with a different pattern, or load it with something more inviting, like crumbled sardines mixed with a drop of fish oil.
Explore more enrichment options for small dogs at explore.
