{"id":951,"date":"2020-10-15T19:59:15","date_gmt":"2020-10-15T19:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sbahvet.com\/?p=951"},"modified":"2020-10-15T19:59:15","modified_gmt":"2020-10-15T19:59:15","slug":"frito-footsies-the-case-of-the-corn-chip-and-why-your-dogs-paws-smell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/frito-footsies-the-case-of-the-corn-chip-and-why-your-dogs-paws-smell\/","title":{"rendered":"Frito Footsies: The Case of the Corn Chip and Why Your Dog\u2019s Paws Smell"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dogs never cease to amaze and entertain us with their curious, and often hilarious, ways. There are many things that cause us to ponder over <\/span>our dogs\u2019 behaviors, antics<\/span><\/a>, and yes, even smells. Take, for example, that odd aroma that wafts off of your dog\u2019s paws. Does it smell like corn chips? Most likely, yes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many dog owners ask our team why their dog\u2019s paws smell. Since this is an ongoing concern, we at <\/span>Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital <\/span><\/a>want to get to the bottom of this corny conundrum with some simple facts about this odd aroma.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Do My Dog\u2019s Paws Smell Like Fritos?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Frito feet is something we often talk about in the dog community. It is that yeasty smell that comes from our dogs\u2019 feet. This weird scent is actually not so weird and is mostly harmless. Corn chip feet are caused by specific bacteria, called <\/span>Pseudomonas<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Proteus<\/span><\/i>, that are naturally found on a dog\u2019s paws. These bacteria, along with fungi and other types of bacteria, all work in a balance that is otherwise safe and healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dogs are also prone to wander through all sorts of contaminants, debris, and other things in the environment, from mud, puddle water, other animal waste, and so on. This combination contributes to the innate doggie smell of corn chip feet. Oh, and did you know that your dog actually sweats through their paws? It\u2019s true! No wonder those precious paws can sometimes be a little pee-yew!<\/span><\/p>\n

When Trouble Occurs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Not all smells should be ignored. If your pet\u2019s paws are putrid, rather than a little stinky or yeasty, there may be something more serious occurring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paws are subject to a range of injury and conditions because they are always on the go, traipsing through all sorts of things while they are outdoors. Paw injuries are common, especially for those<\/span> dogs who love to hike<\/span><\/a> and explore natural areas with their owners.<\/span><\/p>\n

When there a medical cause to the odor, you may notice some of the following symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n