Plaster of Paris is a powder that can be mixed with water to make a mould. Many parents use plaster of Paris to capture the size of their child's hand or foot at a young age. Dog owners can also use the plaster of Paris to create a cast of the dog's paw. The instructions are the same, and the plaster paw print will serve as a lasting memory of the dog.

  • Plaster of Paris is a powder that can be mixed with water to make a mould.
  • Dog owners can also use the plaster of Paris to create a cast of the dog's paw.

Put on a pair of plastic gloves. Then get yourself a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes from the plaster dust. Put them on before opening the plaster of Paris.

Open the bag of plaster of Paris. You may need a pair of scissors for this. Measure out four cups of plaster of Paris and place it in an old plastic container. You will not be able to use this container again for food.

Add 480 ml (2 cups) of water to the bowl, and mix everything together.

Pour the plaster into an aluminium pie tin. This makes for an excellent mould. Plus you can easily throw away the aluminium pie tin when you are done.

  • Open the bag of plaster of Paris.
  • Plus you can easily throw away the aluminium pie tin when you are done.

Set your dog's paw in the plaster and press it down for two to three seconds.

Remove your dog's paw and wash it off.

Set the plaster aside for 24 hours. Then remove the aluminium pie tin and your plaster paw print will be finished.

TIP

Use a permanent marker to write the date or your pet's name on the casting.

WARNING

Plaster of Paris can cause burns. Do not keep your dog's paw or your own hands in it for more than a few seconds. Wash them off immediately after making the paw impression.