Lick mats with suction cups: bath time and grooming
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Bath time and grooming go better when your dog has something to focus on. Load a mat with crumbled freeze-dried treats, stick it to the tub wall with suction cups, and your dog stays engaged while you work.
How suction cups work
Press the cups firmly against a smooth, clean tile or tub surface. Glass and polished tile hold best. The mat stays put even when wet, so your dog can't chase it across the tub. Release by pulling up one corner to break the seal.
Bath time mats
The Citrus Design eMat comes in lime green, orange or pink with suction cups. It measures 8 by 8 by 0.5 inches and cleans up in the dishwasher. SodaPup makes these in the USA from TPE. The Tree of Life eMat has deep grooves, rated harder difficulty, and comes in green.
Small mats for small dogs and grooming
The Turtle eMat Mini is 4 by 4 inches, sized for small dogs, puppies and cats. Use it during face and paw grooming at a comfortable height. Suction cups keep it still while you work.
Modern Dog silicone mats
The It's a Birthday Pawty and Disco Cowgirl mats include suction cups, a spatula and a brush. They're 100% food-grade silicone, dishwasher and microwave capable. Modern Dog makes them in Nashville.
Load before the session starts
Spread peanut butter, yogurt or wet food on the mat, then press it to the wall. Your dog will start licking as you guide them to the mat. Crumble freeze-dried treats into the pattern for a longer session.
Bath prep strategy
Stick the mat to the tub wall at dog nose height. Wet the tub first so the dog isn't startled by cold water. Keep the mat loaded for the entire wash so your dog has something to do while you shampoo and rinse. Reload it if the spread gets thin halfway through.
In the Toys aisle
Citrus Design eMat, lime green, orange or pink, 8 by 8 inches, $15.99 each. Tree of Life eMat, green, hard difficulty, $15.99. Turtle eMat Mini, blue, 4 by 4 inches, $15.99. It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, silicone, $20.00. Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, silicone, $20.00.
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.
Questions
Do suction cups work on all surfaces?
Suction cups work best on smooth, clean tile or glass. Textured surfaces, painted walls, and porous materials don't hold cups well. Test the surface before bath day to make sure it sticks.
How long do suction cups last?
With regular washing and proper storage, suction cups stay functional for years. If they start to slip, wipe both the cup and the tub surface with a damp cloth to improve grip.
Can I use a mat without suction cups during grooming?
Yes, but hold it or place it where your dog can't knock it away. Suction cups give you two hands free to groom while your dog stays occupied.
My dog is tall and the tub wall is low. Will a mat still work?
Use a mat at nose height, wherever that falls. Some dogs prefer to stand in the tub; others sit. Let your dog's position guide where you stick the mat.
Do I need to remove the mat before washing the dog?
No. The mat stays up during the wash. Spread with peanut butter or yogurt before wetting the tub, so the spread doesn't wash away immediately.
What if my dog is nervous about bath time?
A lick mat gives your dog something engaging to focus on instead of worry. Start with a gentle approach, load the mat generously, and stick to the wall before you run water. Many nervous bathers become willing participants once they taste the spread.
Load mats with crumbled freeze-dried treats to keep your dog engaged during grooming. Browse all mats and treats on our Explore page.
