***IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have pets, take extra precaution not to let them lick or rub against your new tattoo, as it's technically an open wound. Pet dander and hair in large quantities should not come in contact with your tattoo.
If you have a fresh cut or even a fresh tattoo, your dog may be trying to heal you. While they don't have this knowledge consciously, their saliva contains a lot of bacteria fighting enzymes that can aid in healing even somewhat severe wounds. Take care to avoid letting this particular type of licking become excessive.
And remember to KEEP ALL PETS AWAY from a new tattoo. If you have or are around pets, it's important to keep them away from a fresh tattoo for 7-10 days. Even places where dander and hair remain can be dangerous places to rest an unhealed tattoo.
When you first come home with a new tattoo it will have clear plastic over it. That has to stay on for a few days. Once it starts to heal, you can just put a bandage or more plastic on it when you are around your dog.
Dogs can smell things called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are often given off by people who have cancer. They can detect high blood sugar, unusual compounds in the skin (such as with tattoos), and bacteria in the blood that could cause infection.
So yes, most dogs do instinctively try to clean a fresh wound by licking it. Some lick more intensely than others, which can cause significant damage to the wound. Other dogs just clean the wound and move along.
Typically speaking, tattoos can get infected anywhere from a few days to a couple of months after they are finished. This is because healing times vary, and, as long as there is still skin to heal, infection is possible.
Why Vaseline and petroleum-based jelly aren't great for a new tattoo. Petroleum-based products can cause ink to fade and may trap moisture and bacteria on top of the tattoo, increasing your risk of developing an infection. Use water-based moisturizers on new tattoos instead.
Many artists will recommend using a specialized tattoo bandage, and keep it on for the first few nights (up to 3-4). This protects it from bacteria, your sheets, and accidental picking or ripping of the scabs.
You'll want to keep the tattoo wrapped for at least the first night because it will take a while for it to settle down and stop leaking. You don't want an open wound like that touching your bed sheets, getting blood everywhere, or dirt and dust getting into the wound itself.
Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
Typically, you will cover a new tattoo for 3-4 days. During this time, the tattoo will start to discharge fluids. These fluids are a combination of plasma, blood, and lymph fluid. As these fluids start to decay and die, they will emit an order sometimes related to smelling like vinegar, cheese, feet, or other smells.
So, consider this your warning: don't let dogs or cats lick any open wounds! This includes healing scratches, punctures or anywhere where the skin has been broken. Even if you have a strong immune system, if a pet licks an open wound, wash it with soap and water right away, just to be safe.
Don't Bathe or Swim for at Least 2 Weeks
Bodies of water – from swimming pools to your bathtub – can harbor bacteria. Immersing yourself and your tattoo in water is inviting infection. If you can't avoid immersion, make sure to thoroughly wash your tattoo with soap and water.
So what product should you use? You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios.
Salt and Lemon Juice Cream
This homemade tattoo removal cream lightens the skin and the unwanted tattoo, as the lemon acts as bleach. The coarse salt acts as an exfoliator - to scrub off layers of skin and those with tattoo ink.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
Older tattoos may be raised due to scar tissue
Thicker lines, and more pressure applied during tattooing, can cause some scarring. It's nothing to be concerned about, but it can sometimes raise up, and this is generally caused by changes in body temperature or weather conditions, as well as general health.
After a week, the redness and swelling should have subsided. At this point, the skin should begin to scab and flake. The itchiness may persist, but the tattoo should gradually appear more vibrant as it continues to heal.
Foods to avoid include those that promote inflammation – red meats, foods high in sugar, salt and additives, as well as overly processed foods. These can interfere with the body's natural healing processes. The same is said to be true for an excessive amount of dairy.