No, it's best to keep your dog out of the bed for the first few nights after a tattoo to prevent infection from bacteria, fur, or accidental scratches, as the new ink is an open wound. While many tattooed pet owners sleep with their dogs successfully by practicing strict hygiene (washing sheets, cleaning the tattoo with antibacterial soap), the risk of introducing contaminants or having the dog accidentally scratch or lick the area is high, so a pet-free bed for the initial healing is the safest bet.
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.
🥺) Contact with animals poses a risk of infection, especially if your pets are outdoor animals. The risk increases if they come into contact with the tattooed area. This caution is particularly crucial within the first 48 hours when the tattoo area is an open wound.
Protecting Your Healing Tattoo From Pets
Use baby gates, closed doors, or create designated pet-free zones to minimize interaction. Protective barriers: When contact is unavoidable, cover your tattoo with a clean bandage and/or clothing to shield it from pet hair and saliva.
After the first week/couple days it's pretty safe to sleep on a tattoo. I'd personally recommend sleeping with a long sleeve shirt on to help with preventing an infection.
Choosing the Right Sleeping Position
If you've got a back tattoo, try sleeping on your side or stomach to avoid putting pressure on the inked area. Extra pillows can help keep you comfortable and in place. For tattoos on your arm, sleep on the opposite side to keep your new art off the sheets and to keep it elevated.
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.
✨ As tempting as it is, keep your dog out of the bed for at least the first couple of weeks. ✨ Stick to your aftercare routine (I send everyone home with instructions!) so your tattoo heals clean and bright.
Many tattoo inks are composed of compounds that could be harmful if ingested by dogs. It is crucial to check the ingredients of the ink, if possible, and contact your veterinarian to discuss the potential risks. It's always better to err on the side of caution and get professional advice.
Yes, a $50 tip on a $300 tattoo is a good tip, landing around 16-17%, which is well within the standard 15-20% range for good service, but if you absolutely loved the work or it was a custom piece, tipping $60-$75 (20-25%) would be even better, showing extra appreciation for exceptional quality and effort.
***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.
Top Placement of Pet Tattoos on your body
Forearm: The forearm offers a prominent and easily visible spot for showcasing a beloved pet's tattoo. It's a perfect choice for those who want to share their love and memories with the world.
Keep moisturizing your tattoo regularly for at least 2-3 weeks, or until it's fully healed. Even after it's healed, continuing to moisturize daily, as you would with the rest of your skin, will help keep the ink vibrant and your skin healthy. A good daily moisturizing routine is a great habit for overall skin health.
It is best to leave the tattoo open to the air because the constant friction of a bandage may cause healing problems. Only bandage if necessary! - DO NOT use Vaseline, A+D ointment, Neosporin or petroleum jelly. - DO NOT use alcohol or peroxide.
Back is Best: Whenever possible, try sleeping on your back to relieve pressure on your tattoo. This helps prevent smudging and ensures your tattoo heals beautifully. Don't: Squash Your Art: Avoid sleeping directly on your tattoo, especially during the first few nights when it's most sensitive.
When Can I Stop Washing My New Tattoo? You should continue washing your tattoo until it is fully healed. It is considered fully healed when all scabs have fallen off, and the skin has regenerated and closed up. This process generally takes between 2 to 4 weeks.
Dogs are naturally curious creatures and may be intrigued by the scent or taste of your skin, especially if you've applied lotions or creams. Tattoos' unique textures and possibly the residue of ink might captivate your dog's interest. This behavior is usually normal and a sign of affection.
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.
“Tattoo ink can technically move through the body, but it does not usually travel very far,” explains Ploch. When ink does move, it's because the immune system has broken the pigment down to a size where it can be fed into our lymphatic system, which drains into lymph nodes.
After getting a tattoo, avoid scratching/picking, submerging in water (baths, pools, hot tubs), direct sun exposure, tight clothing, and harsh soaps or petroleum jelly; instead, keep it clean with mild soap, moisturize lightly with artist-recommended lotion, and let it heal undisturbed to prevent infection and preserve the ink. Always follow your tattoo artist's specific aftercare instructions for best results.
Protect your tattoo with clean sheets and loose clothing. Protect your bed with towels and old sheets. And if you get clingy, try soap, water, and coconut oil. Make sure you clean your tattoo before and after sleeping and apply a thin layer of healing balm.
You know the basics of tattoo aftercare: keep it clean, moisturise, and stay out of the sun. But here's a secret most people overlook: sleep. How well you rest can affect not just how fast your tattoo heals, but also how smooth it looks, how vibrant the colours stay, and even your risk of infection.
How long should I avoid sleeping on my tattoo? Most tattoos can handle light contact after 3-5 days, but avoid direct pressure for at least 2 weeks. Listen to your body – if it's painful, adjust your position.
Laser tattoo removal is the most common method health care professionals use to remove or lighten tattoos. The laser light energy shatters the tattoo ink into small particles, which the body's immune system clears over time. The type of laser used to remove a tattoo depends on the tattoo's colors.
Skin rejecting tattoo ink often shows as persistent itching, redness, swelling, and bumpy or scaly patches, sometimes with blisters or oozing, which can appear days, months, or even years later, often linked to certain colors like red ink. This reaction, known as allergic contact dermatitis or a photosensitivity reaction, signals your immune system is overreacting to the pigment, requiring a dermatologist's evaluation if it's severe or prolonged.