Have you ever had a massive sniff of your dog’s paws and thought, “Why does my dog smell like Fritos! ?”
You’re indeed dog wasn’t playing in a swimming pool full of corn chips (even though he’d likely enjoy it).
The reason behind that addictive-slash-funky smell is super engaging — even if it’s slightly gross.
Smelly Problems With Dog Feet
Dogs may cut their paws and toes, break nails or get puncture wounds on their feet and blister their feet when walking on hot pavement, and have other foot-related issues. However, if feet smell, it’s due to yeast or bacteria growing on or in them or because the dog was in an acidic environment. The result of injuries can cause microorganisms, and if they’re not dealt with, the infection can occur.1 Certain smell are typical odors that dogs have. However, there isn’t a need to be concerned about every smell that indicates something is wrong.
Why Do Some Dogs’ Feet Smell Like Fritos?
“The odor is caused by harmless bacteria that live on some dogs’ feet,” Dr. Wooten says. “Proteus and pseudomonas [bacteria] are considered ‘normal flora’ for dogs’ skin [but they] can cause the odor.”
It’s not unusual for certain canines’ feet to be smoky. The yeasty “corn chip” smell is also typical when your dog’s feet aren’t exhibiting this kind of smell. “Unless your dog is showing signs of a skin problem, it is not a cause for concern,” she says.
Do Frito’s feet merit an appointment with the vet?
Most of the time, vets will inform you that Frito feet shouldn’t be cause for concern. However, if your pet is chewing or licking often, is limping or scratching, or there is any swelling or redness on their feet, call your veterinarian a call. These could be allergies, infections, irritation, injuries, or ticks. All of which must be examined by a trained professional. This is also true when your dog’s paws are never a scent and suddenly emit a corn-chip scent.
Why Do Your Dog’s Feet Smell Like Fritos?
Your pet’s feet smell like Fritos and are sweet and short. Our dogs move on and across a variety of different surfaces each day and acquire naturally occurring germs that are present on the pads of their feet. Two types of bacteria are present; Pseudomonas and Proteus are the most common culprits behind the smell of corn chips in contact with saliva produced by grooming and sweat that is normal from the pads of their paws.
Wash and Go
If you’d like to eliminate the smell of corn chips, clean your dog’s feet frequently using a pet-friendly soft shampoo. Dry them thoroughly, paying particular focus on the areas between toes. Remove any long hairs between the toes, too. While you’re at it, cut the toenails if they’re too long.
If you require assistance with nail trimming, do not hesitate to call us for an appointment.
Why “Frito Feet” Happens
Similar to human skin, many fungi and bacteria are always present.
If your dog’s feet are infected by a bacterium called Pseudomonas and Proteus, their paws may emit a yeasty smell that smells like corn chips.
Furthermore, since dogs sweat on their feet (Just as our feet sweat! ), This sweat can cause the smell to be released by the bacteria. This is why dogs’ feet are often smelly after playing or have washed their feet or been playing or walking in the water.
In the majority of cases the case, a problem with Frito feet isn’t something to worry about.
Does Your Dog’s Corn Chip Feet Mean Trouble?
But, regardless of whether it’s commonplace, is it a cause for concern whether your dog’s paws remind you of the food you love? It’s unlikely, and you’re free to take a break. The bacteria that cause the smell don’t pose a threat and are pretty standard, particularly on your friend’s feet.
However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ignore it entirely. Be sure to watch your dog for signs that indicate unusual behavior. Also, look at your dog’s feet for signs of discomfort or an injury that cannot heal.
When your pet’s feet look normal and smell clean, it’s likely uninvolved. However, if it’s severe or other signs appear, it needs to be addressed.
The Feet Stink… Now What?
Here are some easy ideas to keep those feet smelling great.
Make grooming at home a common element of the daily routine. If you wash the pet you love, be sure to focus carefully on the health of your pet’s feet. Remove any fur that is a bit long around the pads of the paws and feet to reduce the possibility of items in the environment sticking on the fur, like burs and excluded gums or mud.
Think about investing in dog boots that protect the feet and paws and shield them from scorching stones, hot surfaces, and other objects that can cause odor or injuries.
Make sure your pet has a regular grooming appointment. Regular grooming by a professional is not just excellent for your pet; it also provides you with an extra set of eyes looking over the coat and skin of your pet’s condition. Groomers are typically the first to recognize issues that require assessment.
Clean the feet and paws of your pet after you’ve returned from walking around the neighborhood.
Get Your Pet to the Vet
Are you wondering, “Why do dogs smell like corn chips?” isn’t a reason to take your dog to the vet following the first sniff? However, it’s worth scheduling an appointment if the smell is too overwhelming or you need assistance planning an appropriate treatment plan. Other issues could be causing the problem, like a severe fungal or yeast infection, an ingrown toenail, or a foreign body, such as stones or sticks that can irritate the pads of your dog’s paws. They all require treatment by a qualified expert to address the issue and eliminate the smell.
Conclusion
It’s perfectly normal to have your dog’s feet smell similar to Fritos; however, not every dog’s feet will smell like popcorn. It is only essential to consider the smell of your dog’s feet when they emit an aroma that resembles cheese that smells bad, or you spot other problems. Be on the lookout for swelling, redness, and nail damage, as well as excessive licking and tenderness.