Drymate® Pet Mats

Are you looking for a last minute practical gift for the pet lover in your life? Here is an idea: pet mats.

I recently "test drove" several Drymate® pet products in my home with my pets, and am happy with the results. I normally use old towels that are one stage above a rag for wiping up after pets and keeping food bowl and litter box areas clean. It works, but then I am faced with wet towels that slip on floors and do not provide moisture protection.The Drymate placemats (various sizes) fit the bill nicely.

Here is my review of the Drymate product family of pet-related mats.

The biggest benefits for me were: 1) they have a rubber backing (no more slip sliding around!) and 2) they are easy to wash.

The instructions recommend drip dry, and after removing the largest mat I tested, the Whelping Box Liner/Mat, I hung it to dry. Even with the super-spin of my washer, I could see how well the mat holds the water. It dried quickly though, and looked as good as new after the wash.

Pros:

• The fabric won't unravel, like some rugs or old towels(!).
• Doesn't slip. Great for items like food bowls.
• Easy to wash and keep clean and sanitary.
• Absorbent; pulls moisture away from surface while protecting floor.
• Large mat makes for a great pet "bath mat" to avoid messy floors and provide safe footing.
• They fold up nicely and do not take a lot of space.
• This product is easy to order online from the manufacturer and it is carried at major pet supply stores (PetSmart, Petco, etc.)
• They are made from "over 50% post-consumer and post-industrial recycled materials" (info from Drymate source)

Cons:

• Even though they are recommended for pet crates, I would advise using with discretion. My dog would unfortunately chew it up (just like she would a towel or rug). This would be a waste of a product and I would worry about what was ingested.
• They are more expensive than an old towel for "just a placemat," but I feel that the pros outweigh this con over the long run in terms of protecting the floor and overall hygiene.

These mats would also be excellent for the traveling pet lover in your life. I know that when I travel, an extra towel/rug/mat often comes in handy!

Where to find Drymate Pet Line:

• Vendor web site: Drymate Products
• Major retailers: including Foster and Smith, Petco, PetSmart, KV Vet, Valley Vet and a variety of independent retailers.

image credit: drymate products