Chewing, Licking & Calming Activities

Chewing and licking are natural, and for many dogs they’re soothing. A steady chew or a lick mat can help a dog unwind after a walk, settle when visitors arrive or relax on a quiet evening. Puppies chew a lot while teething, and adult dogs keep a need to chew throughout life. Rather than trying to stop chewing, give your dog suitable things to chew and make them more appealing than your shoes. If chewing suddenly increases or seems frantic, mention it to your vet, as discomfort can play a part.

Pick chews sized for your dog, large enough that they can’t fit the whole thing in their mouth or swallow it. Take chews away once they’re worn small. Never give cooked bones, which can splinter and cause serious injuries. Very hard items, such as antlers, some nylon chews and hooves, can fracture teeth. Try the thumbnail test: if you can’t press a dent into the surface with your thumbnail, it may be too hard. Rawhide can cause choking or blockages if swallowed in chunks, so many vets advise caution. Always supervise.

Lick mats and hollow rubber toys turn food into a slow, calm activity. Spread a thin layer of your dog’s wet food, or soaked kibble, over a lick mat. Stuff a hollow toy with some of their daily food. For a longer challenge, freeze it first. Other dog-safe fillings, in small amounts, include plain natural yoghurt, mashed banana and plain cooked pumpkin. Never use anything containing grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions or garlic. Wash mats and toys well afterwards, and check them for damage.

Many dogs love peanut butter, but always read the label. Some products contain xylitol, a sweetener that is very poisonous to dogs. It can also be listed as birch sugar or E967. Choose a plain, xylitol-free peanut butter, ideally with no added salt or sugar. It’s high in fat, so use only a little, as an occasional treat rather than in every toy. If your dog ever eats something containing xylitol, contact your vet straight away, even if they seem well.

Enrichment isn’t only about doing more. Learning to switch off matters just as much. After an exciting walk or game, help your dog wind down with something calm: a lick mat, a chew or a gentle scatter of food on a rug in a quiet room. A decompression walk is a slow, relaxed outing somewhere quiet, ideally on a long line, with few people or dogs around and plenty of sniffing. It can help dogs who are stressed, newly adopted or simply busy-brained. Afterwards, let them rest undisturbed.