Dog Paw Tattoos
People have always loved dogs – the phrase “man’s best friend” exists for a reason.
But it really feels like dogs are having a moment lately, doesn’t it?
People love seeing all the silly things pets can get up to- without being the one who has to clean up the mess!
There’s a strong case for the mental health benefits of dogs, plus they can be a suitable alternative for people who can’t or don’t want to have kids.
Dogs are so popular right now, they’re pawing their way into the tattoo world.
It has become much more common to see dog portraiture, dog names, and the latest trend is dog paw tattoos.
Dog paw tattoos are a subtle way to acknowledge your beloved pet, show the world your love for dogs, or showcase your animal side.
Let’s explore dog paw tattoos, what meaning they may have, and how to get your dog’s autograph for your next piece.
Why Is Everyone Talking About Dogs?
Pets in general have always been a desirable addition to most households.
Pets are impartial friends who will be there for you in times of need, make you feel less alone in an empty house, and get up to all kinds of funny adorable things.
There’s just something special about dogs, though.
They’re fiercely loyal, endlessly entertaining, and going for walks with a dog makes you bond with them in a unique way.
All animals are wonderful, but a dog makes you part of its pack.
Social Media
Before social media, it might have been strange to talk about your pets all the time.
But with the internet being a largely visual medium, people have been able to share the fur baby love and have it reciprocated.
Some people even make a career out of running social media accounts for their dogs!
Both Doug the Pug and Jiffpom have enough celebrity friends to make any human Instagram influencer jealous.
Health
Some people may get paw print tattoos because their dog has literally saved them from their tiredness and moodiness.
While emotional support animals come in all shapes, breeds, and sizes, there are dog breeds that can be trained to help with a person’s specific needs.
Even without intensive support training, your average dog has qualities that can help with your emotions.
A dog will get you out of bed in the morning, encourage you to get physical activity and fresh air and make you feel useful.
When you know someone is counting on you, it can be a huge boost to your self-esteem.
A pooch may not be a cure-all, but it’s easy to see why so many people want to get tattoos of their canine companions.
Do Dog Paw Tattoos Symbolize Anything?
Most people who get dog paw tattoos do so with their own personal reasons in mind.
But there is a symbolic meaning behind dog tattoos.
In many spiritual modalities, dogs are a symbol of loyalty.
Homer immortalized that symbolism in The Odyssey.
When Odysseus went on his epic journey, he left behind his dog Argus.
When he returned after 20 years, the dog perked up his ears and recognized Odysseus immediately, even in disguise.
Odysseus was moved by this, and the story has solidified dogs as a symbol of loyalty throughout the ages.
How To Get Your Dog’s Paw Print as a Tattoo
There are many ways to get a paw print tattoo.
Many people opt for small tattoos on fingers or hand tattoos, but there’s definitely room to go bolder and put your paws center stage.
You can get something cartoonish and cute, incorporate dog paws into a larger tattoo design, or you can use your own dog’s paws as a blueprint!
This can be tricky because it involves putting ink on your dog’s paws.
You’ll want to keep your dog’s comfort in mind, and not pressure them into anything if they don’t like having their paws handled!
After all, this tattoo is supposed to be about showing your little buddy some respect.
If you think you can find some comfy lazy time to get your dog’s paw print on paper, follow these simple steps:
- Clean your dog’s paws and make sure their nails are nice and tidy. Long nails are uncomfortable for your dog, and they will get in the way of your print.
- Using a non-toxic ink, lightly brush the pigment onto your dog’s paws. You may want to wait until they are sleeping or very, very tired- otherwise this could be a messy process! There are plenty of non-toxic, even veggie-based inks on the market. You could also use a non-toxic ink pad, but you’ll need one big enough for your dog’s paw.
- Once you have the ink in place, gently press your dog’s paw against a piece of paper. You may have to experiment with different ways of doing this, but you should end up with one use-able imprint.
- Wash your dog’s paw. You don’t want little paw prints all over the house!
- Take your pup’s paw print to your favorite tattoo artist for a discussion. There, you can figure out the details that are going to make your dog paw tattoo stand out from the pack.
How To
Dog paws are cute, meaningful tattoo designs that can be done in so many ways.
If you’re a dog lover, you really can’t go wrong.
If you think you can find some comfy lazy time to get your dog’s paw print on paper, follow these simple steps:
- Step 1
Clean your dog’s paws and make sure their nails are nice and tidy.
Long nails are uncomfortable for your dog, and they will get in the way of your print.
- Step 2
Using a non-toxic ink, lightly brush the pigment onto your dog’s paws. You may want to wait until they are sleeping or very, very tired- otherwise this could be a messy process! There are plenty of non-toxic, even veggie-based inks on the market. You could also use a non-toxic ink pad, but you’ll need one big enough for your dog’s paw.
- Step 3
Once you have the ink in place, gently press your dog’s paw against a piece of paper. You may have to experiment with different ways of doing this, but you should end up with one use-able imprint.
- Step 4
Wash your dog’s paw. You don’t want little paw prints all over the house!
- Step 5
Take your pup’s paw print to your favorite tattoo artist for a discussion. There, you can figure out the details that are going to make your dog paw tattoo stand out from the pack.
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