Dog Paw Print Craft: 4 Cute Keepsakes (Salt‑Dough + Safer No‑Salt Options)

Paw Print Crafts are having a moment because they’re sweet, affordable, and super giftable.

If you’ve ever scrolled Pinterest at 11pm thinking, “I just want a cute dog paw print craft that won’t wreck my living room or my dog’s tummy,” you know the feeling. You’re my people.

I’ve tested a bunch of Paw Print Art ideas with Monty (my cheeky Westie sidekick) and rounded up the four best methods—two no‑salt options, a quick paint print, and the classic salt‑dough (with important safety notes).

This guide is US‑friendly (supplies from any craft aisle, cups/spoons, etc.) and keeps budget, safety, and sanity in mind. 😊

At‑a‑Glance Difficulty: Easy (all levels)
Time: Paint 10–20 min • Air‑dry clay 30–60 min + dry • Baking‑soda dough 45–60 min + dry • Salt‑dough 60–120 min + bake
Mess: Low (paint/ink) → Medium (doughs)
Best for: Gifts, first‑Christmas keepsakes, memorials

Promise: Make a safe, budget‑friendly paw‑print keepsake today—plus free printable Paw Print Templatesinside.

Before You Start: Safety (Read This, It’s Fast!)

TL;DR: Salt dough = toxic if eaten → choose air‑dry clay or baking‑soda + cornstarch dough; use AP‑certified nontoxic paint/ink and wipe paws; store ornaments high. See Safety Box below. APCC (24/7): (888) 426‑4435 (US; fee may apply).

You’ve probably seen Salt Dough Paw Print ornaments all over your feed.

They’re adorable—but salt dough is dangerous if eaten. The ASPCA advises contacting your vet or the APCC immediately if ingestion happens (see craft tips and holiday safety).

Vets link salty doughs to hypernatremia (salt poisoning) (MSD Vet Manual; Today’s Veterinary Practice), and emergency teams share real cases and warning signs.

Bottom line:

• Make the craft pet‑safe from the start (prefer no‑salt methods if your dog’s a a counter‑surfer or chewer).
• Use AP‑certified nontoxic paint/ink (look for the AP seal) and wipe paws immediately after printing.
• Keep finished ornaments out of reach. They’re keepsakes, not chew toys.

DIY Pet Paw Print is totally doable—you just need a plan. Ready?

Option 1: Quick & Safest — Paw‑Print Flower Art (Paint/Ink)

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Why it’s great: Fastest, low‑mess, trainer‑backed | Skip if: Paw handling stresses your dog (train “shake” first) | Time: 10–20 min | Cost: <$10 | Mess: Low

You want cute wall art in under 20 minutes? Same.

This is the fastest, lowest‑mess way to make Paw Print Art (and the safest if you use washable, AP‑certified paints or a pet‑safe ink pad).

Certified trainer Sassafras Patterdale, CPDT‑KA, CTDI, demos a simple paw‑print flower craft with clear handling and reinforcement tips on the AKC site (AKC tutorial).

You’ll need:

• Heavy paper or a small canvas
• Washable, AP‑certified nontoxic paint or a clean, pet‑safe ink pad
• Paper plate, baby wipes, treats

Steps:

1. Set up your “studio” (paper taped down; wipes/treats in reach).
2. Lightly paint the pads (avoid fur) or press onto an ink pad.
3. Stamp the paw straight down, then lift up (no wiggle). Treat!
4. Add stems/leaves to turn prints into flowers. Date and sign it.

Pro tips: Keep sessions short and upbeat. If your dog isn’t a “hold my paw” type, train a quick “shake” first and reward every step.

Want more décor‑ready inspo? Pretty Fluffy walks through a framed canvas keepsake (Pretty Fluffy).

Option 2: No‑Salt Impression — Air‑Dry Clay Paw Print Ornament

If you love the ornament look but don’t want salt anywhere near your dog, use air‑dry clay.

It’s easy, no oven, and holds detail beautifully. I love this clear, photo‑rich tutorial (Where The Smiles Have Been).

You’ll need:

• Air‑dry clay, rolling pin, parchment
• Round cookie cutter or jar ring; straw for the ribbon hole
• Alphabet stamps or a food‑safe skewer for the name/date
• Nontoxic acrylic paint and sealer (optional)

Steps:

1. Roll clay to 1/4–3/8 inch thick.
2. Gently press your dog’s paw straight down; lift up.
3. Cut the circle around the print; poke a ribbon hole with a straw.
4. Let it dry fully (check the clay’s package for timing).
5. Optionally paint, then seal once dry; add ribbon and hang.

Why it’s great: No baking, no salt, and durable once sealed. If you need a quick sanity check on thickness/warping, this simple note helps –

• Thickness: keep discs ¼–⅜ inch thick.
• Drying: let them dry flat on a rack (airflow on both sides) and flip once halfway through.
• Avoid heat: no oven/direct sun; slow dry = less warping.
• If edges lift: while still slightly pliable, set on parchment and lightly press flat (don’t press the paw area).

Option 3: Salt‑Free “Cold Porcelain” — Baking Soda + Cornstarch Dough

Prefer a pantry‑friendly dough that isn’t salty? Mix baking soda + cornstarch + water. It’s smooth, bright white, and perfect for impressions. Rosie & the Huskies share the exact ratio and method (Rosie and the Huskies).

You’ll need: 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 3/4 cup water; saucepan, spoon, parchment.

Steps:

1. Combine ingredients in a saucepan and cook, stirring, until it forms a mash‑potato‑like dough. Cool.
2. Roll to ~1/4 inch, take the dog paw print, cut to shape, and add a ribbon hole.
3. Air‑dry thoroughly on a rack, flipping once.
4. Paint/seal if you want extra durability.

Heads‑up: Still treat this as non‑edible décor and store out of reach, just like any ornament.

Option 4: Classic Salt‑Dough Paw Print Ornament (Read the Safety Box!) 

If you love the classic salt‑dough look, choose a method with clear steps and photos so you get it right the first time.

One Little Project gives a solid, reliable walkthrough with bake times/temps and finishing ideas (One Little Project).

Kitty Cat Chronicles adds a super helpful PDF and a bold safety warning you should echo on your tag or storage box (Kitty Cat Chronicles post; PDF: step‑by‑step + warning).

You’ll need:

• 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, ~1/2 cup warm water (adjust to dough)
• Rolling pin, cutter, straw, parchment, baking sheet
• Acrylic paint, nontoxic sealer, ribbon

Steps:

1. Mix dough, knead until smooth.
2. Roll to 1/4–1/2 inch. Take the dog paw print straight down; lift cleanly.
3. Cut the shape; add a ribbon hole.
4. Bake low and slow until completely dry; cool fully.
5. Sand edges if needed; paint, seal, and add ribbon.

SAFETY BOX — Please Read & Save:

• Do not let pets lick or chew salt‑dough—ever. Even dry ornaments can be dangerous. If ingestion occurs, call your vet/APCC immediately (ASPCA craft tips; Holiday Safety).
• Vets link salty dough ingestion to hypernatremia (salt poisoning). Learn the signs and why speed matters (MSD Vet Manual; Today’s Veterinary Practice).
• Keep all ornaments stored high in the off‑season and hang them out of reach. The AVMA includes salt‑dough ornaments on its do‑not‑chew holiday list (AVMA).

Free Paw Print Templates (Stencils You Can Print)

Want neat edges or a clean Paw Print Template for painting/garlands/gift tags? Grab these freebies and credit the creators when you share:

• Just Family Fun — dog paw outlines in multiple sizes
• Pattern Universe — dog paw print PDF
• Tim’s Printables — multi‑size paw shapes
• MusePrintables — paw‑print shaped writing templates (handy for gift tags)

Which One Should You Make?

• Need a kid‑friendly, quickest route? Do Option 1 (Paint/Ink).
• Want the ornament look with low risk? Choose Option 2 (Air‑Dry Clay).
• Want a pantry project that’s still salt‑free? Try Option 3 (Baking Soda + Cornstarch).
• Love the traditional salt‑dough aesthetic and can guarantee it stays out of reach? Option 4—but follow the Safety Box to the letter.

Clean‑Up, Calm Dogs & Photo Tips (Because… Real Life)

Monty would like you to know he did try to boop the air‑dry clay with his snoot (rude), so yes—set your scene before you invite the paws.

Keep wipes and treats within reach, and use a helper if you’ve got a wiggly pup.

Ask yourself: Do I want a crisp print or a more “abstract” vibe? Either works.

For outdoor, bigger‑dog setups, the Instructables walkthrough has clever prep tips like weighing down paper and staging a rinse station (Instructables).

Quick wins:

• Trim fuzzy paw hairs first for sharper detail (IMO worth the minute!).
• Stamp once per disc—don’t re‑press the same print.
• Date everything. Future‑you will cry happy tears.

Takeaway & Next Step

You’ve got four solid ways to make a gorgeous Dog Paw Print Craft—from fast Paw Print Art (paint/ink) to durable DIY Clay Paw Print ornaments, plus a classic salt‑dough path if you follow the safety rules.

Print a Paw Print Template, pick your method, and pin this guide to Dog Crafts or Pet Keepsake Ideas for easy reference.

If you make one, be sure to share on socials. Me and Monty—we’ll be cheering you on from the craft table. 🙃

Don’t forget to check out our other dog crafts ideas.

FAQ’s About Dog Paw Print Craft

About The Author

Andrea

Andrea — BSc (Hons) Environmental Studies grad and trainee in Dog Behavior & Canine Nutrition — turns nerdy research into bite-size, tail-wagging tips. Expect quick fixes, Westie-tested hacks, and just enough humor to keep the zoomies going. 🐾

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