Is Licking Calming for Dogs? What the Research Actually Says

Licking can help many dogs settle, but the science is thinner than most lick-mat marketing suggests. Studies link long-lasting oral enrichment, like chews and food toys dogs lick clean, with calmer body language and lower arousal during stressful moments, yet we couldn't find any study that measured licking on its own in pet dogs. Used well, a lick mat is a gentle, low-impact way to help a dog relax, as long as you also know when licking is a sign of stress instead.

Key takeaways

• Licking and chewing food are natural, self-paced behaviors that many dogs find soothing.

• Research on chews and lickable stuffed toys shows calmer behavior during short, stressful moments like being alone or kennel cleaning.

• Popular claims that licking "releases endorphins" or "lowers cortisol" haven't been directly tested in dogs using lick mats, as far as we could find.

• Lip-licking can be a stress signal, and constant licking of surfaces can point to a medical issue. See your vet if licking is new or nonstop.

• Lick mats work best when introduced on calm days, then used before predictable stressors like grooming, storms or fireworks.

• Licking is especially useful for senior, sensitive and less-mobile dogs because it needs no running, pawing or problem-solving.

Why do people say licking calms dogs?

Search this question and you'll find confident answers: licking releases endorphins, lowers cortisol, switches on the "rest and digest" nervous system. These ideas are plausible, but most pages repeating them are product pages, and few link to a study that tested licking in dogs.

What we can say with more confidence is simpler. Licking, chewing and foraging are natural ways dogs eat and explore. They're repetitive, self-paced and rewarding, and a dog can do them lying down. That combination is why so many owners and trainers reach for a lick mat when a dog needs to settle.

What does the research actually show?

There isn't a study titled "do lick mats calm dogs," but a few studies come close. Here's what they found and what to keep in mind:

In the first study, the researchers concluded that the chew "was the most successful enrichment," with dogs showing lower arousal in the first five minutes alone (Flint et al., 2023, Animals). In the shelter study, calming items such as the stuffed KONG helped more with stressed body language than items meant to excite, like balls (Dare & Strasser, 2023, Animals). The third study is a helpful reality check: for pet dogs whose lives are already fairly enriched, a short run of new toys didn't measurably change their mood (Chan, Arellano & Horowitz, 2023, Animals).

Owners report benefits too. In a University of Liverpool survey of about 1,750 dog owners, people who feed from toys and puzzles said it helps with behavior problems, fullness and begging (University of Liverpool research summary, Animal Welfare Foundation). That's owner perception, not a controlled trial.

The fair summary: oral, food-based enrichment seems to help many dogs feel calmer in short, stressful moments. It's a reasonable, low-risk thing to try, not a proven treatment for anxiety.

Can licking be a sign of stress instead of calm?

Quick lip or nose licks are a well-known stress or "appeasement" signal. In a study of 116 dogs meeting a stranger, dogs showed lip-licking and looking away in mildly threatening situations, and fewer of these signals when the threat was more serious, when they switched to other strategies (Firnkes et al., 2017, Journal of Veterinary Behavior). So a dog licking their lips while staring at the nail clippers is telling you something different from a dog happily working on a lick mat.

Frequent licking of floors, walls or furniture can also point to a medical problem. In one veterinary study, 14 of 19 dogs with excessive surface licking had an underlying digestive issue, and after treatment for it, licking improved in more than half of the dogs followed up (Bécuwe-Bonnet et al., 2012, Journal of Veterinary Behavior).

Here's a quick way to tell the difference:

• Settling licking: slow, rhythmic licking of food, loose body, often lying down. Your dog can stop and walk away easily.

• Stress licking: quick flicks of the tongue over the lips or nose, often with yawning, turning away, pinned ears or a tense body, usually in response to something happening.

• Worth a vet visit: licking surfaces, paws or the air that's new, constant, hard to interrupt, or comes with changes in appetite, stool or energy.

How do you use a lick mat to help an anxious dog relax?

A lick mat works best as part of a calm routine, not an emergency fix:

1. Introduce it on a calm day. Let your dog learn the mat means something good before pairing it with anything stressful. A quiet spot away from foot traffic helps.

2. Start easy. Spread a thin, soft layer that comes off quickly so the first sessions end in success.

3. Use it before predictable stressors. The American Kennel Club suggests a mat with frozen chicken broth for fireworks or thunderstorms, or a favorite spread to make grooming and ear cleaning easier (American Kennel Club).

4. Adjust the challenge. Make it easier with a soft, thin spread. Make it last longer with a thicker layer or by freezing it. Match the level to your dog's mood that day.

5. Keep it safe. Supervise, pick the mat up when the food is gone, and clean it after each use. The AKC also warns that some peanut butters contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and that rich spreads should be used in moderation (American Kennel Club).

6. Count the calories. Whatever goes on the mat is part of your dog's daily food. Using a portion of their regular meal is an easy way to keep things balanced.

If your dog is anxious most days, or their anxiety is getting worse, a lick mat is a comfort, not a solution. Your veterinarian can help you look at causes and a fuller plan.

Is licking good enrichment for senior and less-mobile dogs?

Licking is one of the most accessible kinds of enrichment there is. It doesn't need running, jumping, pawing or figuring out a puzzle, and a dog can do it lying comfortably on their bed. That makes it a good fit for:

• Senior dogs who tire quickly or find complex puzzles frustrating. Raising the mat slightly and placing it on a non-slip surface can make it more comfortable for stiff necks and joints.

• Dogs on restricted activity after an injury or surgery, who still need something to do. Follow your vet's guidance on what's allowed.

• Sensitive or newly adopted dogs who need predictable, low-pressure ways to earn food while they settle in.

If your older dog seems less interested in food toys they used to enjoy, or seems uncomfortable eating, check in with your vet before assuming they're just not into it anymore.

Most dogs do best with a mix: licking to settle, sniffing to explore, and a gentle puzzle when they're in the mood. Our guide to Is Your Dog's Puzzle Toy Too Hard? covers finding the right puzzle level.

That idea of meeting a dog where they are shaped our first product. MushBop is a treat dispenser set with adjustable difficulty and several ways to play, so you can keep things easy on slow days and add a challenge when your dog wants one.

Frequently asked questions

Do lick mats really help anxious dogs?

Many owners find them helpful, and studies of chews and lickable food toys link them with calmer body language during stressful moments. A lick mat is a comfort tool, not a treatment. If your dog's anxiety is frequent or intense, talk to your veterinarian.

How long should a dog use a lick mat?

There's no research-based time limit. Let the session end when the food is gone, then pick the mat up so it doesn't turn into a chew toy. Supervise, especially at first.

What can I put on a lick mat?

Your dog's regular wet food, soaked kibble or a plain, low-sodium broth frozen onto the mat are simple options. If you use peanut butter, check the label for xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and use it sparingly. Count lick-mat food as part of your dog's daily intake.

Why does my dog lick everything?

Licking floors, furniture or the air a lot can have many causes, including medical ones. In one veterinary study, most dogs with excessive surface licking had an underlying digestive problem. If licking is new, constant or hard to interrupt, see your vet.

Is it okay to give my dog a lick mat every day?

For most healthy dogs, yes, as long as the food fits their daily diet, the mat is cleaned after each use, and you pick it up when they finish. Check with your vet first if your dog is on a special diet.

Every dog deserves ways to feel calm and safe, whether they're a busy young dog or a gray-muzzled senior. If you'd like enrichment that adjusts to your dog, MushBop preorders opened in October 6th at airplaneearspets.com. You can also read more about Kumi, Hershey and why we started Airplane Ears.

Written by Yixuan (Emily) Xu, founder of Airplane Ears. This article is for general wellness and enrichment information and is not veterinary advice. Talk to your veterinarian about any changes in your dog's behavior, appetite or mobility.