Collection: Vet Visits, Grooming & Cooperative Care

Nail trims, vet visits, and grooming sessions don't have to be a battle. The right enrichment tool can shift your dog's focus from fear and stress to calm, focused licking — making the whole experience easier for your dog, for you, and for your vet or groomer.

This collection brings together SodaPup's best tools for cooperative care and positive distraction — lick mats, eDispensers, and enrichment feeders that keep dogs calm, still, and engaged during handling. All made in the USA from FDA-compliant, non-toxic materials safe for direct food contact.

Why Lick Mats and eDispensers Work for Cooperative Care

Licking is a naturally calming behavior for dogs. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reduces cortisol, and promotes a relaxed, focused state — exactly what you need when your dog needs to hold still. Spreading a thin layer of peanut butter, plain yogurt, wet food, or pureed banana on a lick mat gives your dog something to do with their mouth and mind while you or a professional handles the rest.

This technique is widely recommended by veterinary behaviorists, certified dog trainers, and cooperative care specialists as a low-stress handling tool. It's especially effective for:

• Nail trims at home or at the groomer — smear a lick mat on the floor or stick a suction-cup mat to the wall or tub at nose height to keep your dog occupied while you clip
• Vet visits and veterinary procedures — blood draws, vaccinations, ear cleaning, and physical exams go more smoothly when a dog is actively licking rather than scanning for threats
• Grooming sessions — brushing, bathing, drying, and ear cleaning all become easier when your dog has a positive focal point
• Handling desensitization training — pair touch with food to build positive associations with paws, ears, mouth, and body being handled
• Post-surgery or injury recovery — keep a resting dog mentally occupied without requiring movement or physical exertion

What's in This Collection

• eMats (Lick Mats) — flat rubber lick mats in a range of textures and designs. Suction-cup versions stick to walls, floors, or tub surfaces for hands-free use during grooming or bathing. Dishwasher safe.
• eDispensers (Rubber Treat Dispensers) — stuffable rubber toys that extend engagement time. Freeze with peanut butter or wet food for a longer-lasting distraction at the vet or during longer grooming sessions.
• eCoins (Nylon Enrichment Coins) — flat, coin-shaped nylon enrichment toys that can be loaded with soft food or used as a standalone chew. Easy for dogs to work at floor level during nail trims or vet visits without needing to chase or reposition. A durable, food-compatible option for dogs that need a firmer enrichment surface than a lick mat.
• eSticks (Nylon Enrichment Sticks) — slim, stick-shaped nylon chews that give dogs something to hold and gnaw during handling sessions. Their slender profile makes them easy for a dog to grip and focus on while staying calm and stationary — a good option for dogs that prefer to chew rather than lick during cooperative care routines.

Tips for Getting Started

Start by introducing the lick mat or eDispenser in a low-stress setting first so your dog builds a positive association with the tool itself. Then bring it out only during handling sessions — this creates a reliable conditioned relaxation response over time. High-value foods (peanut butter, cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, pureed sweet potato) work best for high-stress situations.

All products in this collection are made in the USA, dishwasher safe, and free from BPA, phthalates, and harmful additives — so you can use them confidently with food.

Not sure which product is right for your dog? Try our Bowl & Lick Mat Finder Quiz for a personalized recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which product is best for nail trims and grooming sessions?
For nail trims and grooming, choose an eMat with suction cups for hands-free licking on a wall, floor, or tub. The eStick is another option for dogs that prefer holding and gnawing during handling.

Are the products in this collection made in the USA and food safe?
Yes — all products in the Vet Visits, Grooming & Cooperative Care collection are made in the USA from FDA-compliant, non-toxic materials safe for direct food contact. They are also BPA- and phthalate-free and meet Prop 65 standards.

How do I use a lick mat during a vet visit or grooming session?
Spread a thin layer of peanut butter, plain yogurt, wet food, or pureed banana on an eMat, then offer it while your dog is handled. Introduce the mat in a low-stress setting first so your dog builds a positive association with it.

What is the difference between eMats, eCoins, and eSticks?
eMats are textured rubber lick mats, with suction-cup versions for hands-free use. eCoins are flat nylon enrichment toys for soft food or standalone chewing, while eSticks are slim nylon chews for dogs that prefer to hold and gnaw during handling.

Are these enrichment products dishwasher safe?
Yes — the products in this collection are described as dishwasher safe, making cleanup easier after using food such as wet food, yogurt, peanut butter, or pureed ingredients.

Can my dog chew an eMat, eCoin, or eStick during handling?
eCoins and eSticks can be used as nylon enrichment chews, while eMats are feeding devices rather than chew toys. Supervise your dog, inspect products often, and replace any toy that becomes worn or damaged.