MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee’s downtown dogs are getting their own version of happy hour Thursday, Aug. 20 with a free lick mat open bar among the activities planned for Yappy Hour at the downtown Milwaukee Dog Park.

The event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and will feature live music, craft beer samples from Foxtown Brewing, vendors and activities for both dogs and their owners. Guests can also get free caricature sketches and dog tag engraving.

But for four-legged guests, the lick mat open bar may be the main attraction.

Lick mats provide dogs with a supervised activity designed to offer enrichment while encouraging them to slow down and settle. The act of licking can help lower a dog’s heart rate and anxiety, making the mats a way for dogs to relax while keeping them occupied.

For dogs that tend to inhale their food, lick mats can also encourage slower eating. Slowing down meals can support digestion and metabolism and may help reduce weight gain.

The event also highlights services available from Aqua Therapups, which offers therapeutic and recreational swimming with certified instructors at clean, indoor aquatic centers. The company also provides before- and after-swim services focused on holistic health and bathing.

Aqua Therapups’ aqua therapy programs can support dogs with rehabilitation, swim lessons, weight loss, behavior modification and muscle toning, while also providing an opportunity for dogs to have fun in the water.

With music, beer samples and activities for people, plus enrichment and a free lick mat experience for dogs, Yappy Hour offers a chance for Milwaukee dog lovers to enjoy an afternoon out with their pets.