You could make it big, or discreet, shaded in black, or bursting with colour, realistic and detailed, or simple and minimalist! It’s a tattoo that you could fit practically anywhere on your body, depending on its size - basically, this is an essential design to consider if you’re thinking of getting a dog tattoo!
How to get a tattoo of your dog’s paw
If you’re interested in a realistic design, then the first thing to do is to get a high-quality photo of your dog’s paw. Make sure you’ve got plenty of light and that your pet stays still while you take the photograph. Whether you take a picture of your dog’s paw as seen from above or underneath is entirely up to personal preference.
If you’re going for something a little more minimalist, a picture of your dog’s paw may not be necessary. Sometimes people choose to add a human hand to the tattoo design, so as to show the dog’s paw ‘shaking’ their owner’s hand.
How to get a tattoo of your dog’s paw print
Again, a realistic design will require you to bring something into the studio so that your tattoo artist can inspire himself/herself from it. An easy way to do this would be to purchase pet-friendly ink (or just go outside for some mud if you want to do it the old-fashioned way!). Dip your pet’s paw into the liquid, then make several imprints of it on a blank piece of paper. Whichever one turns out best can be used as a base for your tattoo! Remember to clean your pet’s paws properly afterwards, to ensure the best paw pad care.
If you prefer a simplistic design, you may not need to go through all that trouble. You can discuss ideas with your tattoo artist who can suggest various designs. Some people like to get several paw prints tattooed in the form of a trail!
How to pay homage to a departed friend with a paw tattoo
Many of us get tattoos to remember a loved one who has passed away. This can be the case with man’s best friend too! So how to incorporate a homage into a dog paw tattoo?
Add dates
You could add your dog’s date of birth and/or date of passing in small numbers next to the paw or paw print tattoo. This is a great way of remembering the chapter of your lives that you spent together.
Add a name
Alternatively, you could get your dog’s name tattooed next to the paw or paw print design. Calligraphy style is very popular for this type of tattoo.
Add an infinity sign
When getting a tattoo to remember someone who has passed away, your design should represent your undying love for that person (or dog!). A perfect way to show that is to throw an infinity sign in the mix. You could have a paw print trail as part of your infinity sign, for example! This is a clear depiction of your eternal bond with your pet.
