A nose print is the one thing a photo cannot give you. It is the shape of them, pressed once, at a certain age, in a certain week of your life together. This guide walks through how to take one at home without stress, without mess, and without needing an oven or any craft experience.
What you need
- Air-dry clay that is soft enough to take fine detail. It must be non-toxic, because it touches their nose.
- A roller to flatten the clay evenly. A smooth bottle works, a proper roller works better.
- Paint and a fine brush if you want the ridges to catch the light once the print has dried.
- A frame so the print ends up on a shelf rather than in a drawer.
- Treats, more than you think you need.
Our Forever Nose Print Kit contains all of it, including a spare clay disc, which matters more than anything else on this list.
Step 1: Pick the right moment
Do this when your dog is already calm. After a walk, after a meal, late evening on the sofa. Do not start when they are excited, hungry or halfway through a game. A relaxed dog holds still for three seconds without even noticing.
Step 2: Roll the clay flat
Work the clay in your hands for half a minute so it softens, then roll it to roughly the thickness of a pound coin. An even surface matters more than a perfectly round shape. If the edge cracks, fold it back in and roll again.
Should the nose be wet or dry?
Dry. A healthy dog's nose is usually damp, and moisture blurs the fine ridges. Dab it gently with a soft cloth or a tissue right before you press, then work quickly.
Step 3: Press, hold, lift
Hold the clay in one hand and support their chin with the other. Bring the clay to the nose rather than the nose to the clay, so they do not have to move. Press evenly for about three seconds, then lift straight up. Do not roll or drag, that is what smudges a print.
If they pull away, stop, give the treat anyway, and try again in a minute. Nothing is lost while the clay is still soft.
Step 4: Check the print before it dries
Hold the clay at an angle to a lamp. You are looking for the fine mesh of ridges across the top pad and the two nostril curves. If the pattern looks flat or doubled, roll it out and start again. This is the whole reason a spare disc exists.
Step 5: Dry, paint and frame
Leave the print flat at room temperature for about 24 hours. No oven, no kiln, no hairdryer, heat is what causes cracks. Once it is hard, brush paint across the surface so it settles into the ridges, let it dry, then set the print into your frame beside two photos.
When it does not work the first time
It happens, and it is not a reflection of your dog or of you. The three usual causes:
- The nose was wet. Dab and press again.
- The clay was too firm. Warm it longer in your hands.
- The dog moved. Support the chin, and keep the whole thing under three seconds.
Every kit we send includes a spare disc, and if it still does not work out we send new clay free of charge within 30 days.
Does this work with cats, puppies and senior pets?
Yes. Cats often need a quieter room and a lap. Puppies need a shorter session and more treats. For senior or unwell pets, the three second contact time is the whole point: you can take a print while they are lying down, without asking anything of them.
Common questions
How long does the whole thing take?
About ten minutes of hands-on work, then 24 hours of waiting while the clay dries.
Is the clay safe?
Use non-toxic, residue-free clay only, and keep contact to a few seconds. Wipe the nose afterwards with a damp cloth.
Can I take a paw print instead?
Yes, the method is the same, and a paw needs a slightly thicker disc. Our Paw and Nose Duo Kit frames both together.
How do I keep the print safe long term?
Framed and out of direct sunlight is enough. If you want the collar and a tuft of fur in the same place, a keepsake box holds everything together.
Browse the print kits if you would rather have every part in one box, including the spare clay.