When the Smell Gets Worse than Corn Chips
Dogs sweat through their feet just like humans. Sweat can become trapped in the coat between the foot pads and create a less desirable odor– worse than the corn chips smell.
To avoid these less pleasant odors, you can trim the fur between the paw pads which will allow the sweat and smell to dissipate rather than permeate into the fur and further the stench. Just use hair clippers to carefully trim between the pads.
After you trim, and no matter the severity of the stench, a bath is in order. Lather each of your dog’s paws with pet shampoo to remove sweat and debris then rinse completely. This should clear our the odor.
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If you get close enough to your dog’s feet, you might have noticed that they smell a bit like corn chips or Fritos. Some dog owners don’t mind the aroma. Others might find the smell unpleasant and perhaps even wonder if it’s a sign of poor health. Since dogs can’t tell us what’s wrong, it’s our job to learn what smells are normal and when it might be time to intervene and seek veterinary care.
Why Are Dog Feet Prone to Infection?
Your dog’s feet can be a magnet for dirt and grime. Along with limited airflow between their toes, the combination of fur, heat, and moisture makes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. When there’s a buildup of these microorganisms, “dogs start licking their feet, which doesn’t clean the bacteria,” Dr. Attas says. “Instead, licking actually irritates the skin of the footpad and can lead to infection.”
Often, owners may only discover an infection once it has progressed to the point of causing pain or discomfort to their pets. Dr. Attas recommends getting your dog accustomed to you touching and smelling their eyes, ears, mouth, and feet. An older dog might be more resistant to you poking around, so it’s best to start when they’re puppies.
If your dog’s feet normally smell like Fritos and now they’re starting to “smell like moldy cheese, that’s when you need to contact your veterinarian,” Dr. Attas says. By examining your dog early and regularly, you’re more likely to notice a change in appearance and seek treatment earlier. Plus, your dog will feel more comfortable if you need to administer medication.
Here’s Why Your Dog’s Feet Smell Like Fritos, Doritos, Cheetos or Popcorn
Have you ever smelled your dog’s feet? Well, if you have – whether by accident or on purpose – you may have noticed a certain corn chip smell. And you’re not crazy, your dog’s feet do indeed smell like Fritos – or popcorn depending on what your nose picks up. And there is science to back up the scent as well.
It turns out that the smell is from microorganisms and bacteria called Pseudomonas and Proteus that live in your dog’s paws.
Since hair grows in between your dog’s paws, it is a great place for bacteria to grow – especially when they get wet.
Humans sweat all over their body while dogs only sweat on parts not covered by fur. This includes their paws and their noses. Which makes sense why I can see my dogs paw prints on the floor during a hot summer day.
This is also why your dog will take time to pant when you take them on a walk during the summer. There paws and nose aren’t large enough to cool them down. this is why they rely on moisture from their tongue and lining of their lungs.
You can minimize the smell by trimming the hair on your dog’s paws or washing them after they go outside.
Side note: If your dog’s feet start to smell excessive, they produce discharge, or there is swelling from their feet, this is most likely a sign of infection and your pet should see their vet ASAP.