Pets are the loves of our lives, but we’d be lying if we said they didn’t smell funky sometimes. From rolling (or eating) poop, to getting in the trash, our dogs can have many unpleasant odors.
One odor you might not have noticed so much could be coming from their feet, though! Ever walked around the house and, no matter where you do, corn chips seem to be following you everywhere? The smell of corn chips might be accompanied by the pitter-patter of your canine companion’s paws.
Would you be surprised to learn that there’s a good chance the corn chip smell is actually coming from your dog? Specifically, their feet?
Well, it does! If you have just started to notice that your dog’s feet smell of corn chips, and you would like to know why, keep reading! We’re going to be going through everything you need to know, and what it could mean. Let’s start.
So, Your Dog’s Feet Smells of Corn Chips…
You might love corn chips, but knowing that your dog’s feet smell exactly the same could be a little off-putting. If you’ve noticed that your dog has ‘Frito Feet’, you might be scratching your head as to why.
Well, the paws of dogs have lots of bacteria on them, like every other part of their (and our) skin. The bacteria on their paws are known as Proteus and Pseudomonas, which can result in a yeasty small that is similar to how corn chips smell.
Since dogs sweat through their paws, much like humans’ feet sweat, bacteria can be activated. When bacteria gets activated, an unpleasant smell can quickly form.
Because of this, it is pretty common for dogs’ feet to smell a little more after cleaning their feet, playing a lot, or getting their feet wet. Typically, this corn chip smell is nothing to worry about, because everyone has bacteria, and we all smell a little sometimes!
Should You Ever Be Worried?
Nine times out of then, Frito Feet is nothing to worry about. However, there might be times when this isn’t the case. You need to remember that a dog’s paws are the ideal place for infections, which can be very dangerous.
This is especially the case if your dog has paw pads that are injured somehow, or if the animal is not in good health, or is immunocompromised.
Below are a couple of things that you should always be on the lookout for in your dog:
A bad odor
Discharge
Inflammation
Cuts that won’t heal
Any recent injuries
What if There is a Medical Issue?
Very strong odors can indicate that there is a problem that needs to be resolved. Things like fungal or bacterial infections will require the treatment of a vet, so always take a look at your dog’s paws!
If you aren’t sure what you should look out for, below is a list of a couple of things that are indicative of a medical issue.
Hair loss around the pads or feet
Crusty or flaky skin on the paw pads
Any redness, swelling, or lumps on the paw pads
Limping
Bleeding or pus from any wounds on the paws
Excessive licking of the paws
These are only a few things to look out for, but they can be incredibly important. If you notice any of these things or behaviors, you should get in contact with your vet.
The sooner you can find out what’s wrong, the sooner you and your vet can come up with a treatment plan. With the right intervention, your pet will be on the road to recovery in no time, and they will be their happy selves again!
It’s impossible to get rid of that corn chip smell from your dog’s feet, because bacteria is normal. However, you can reduce the odor if it bothers you by keeping your furry friend’s paws clean. You can clean your dog’s feet frequently, and always be sure to get between their cute little toes.
It’s essential to remember that you should never bathe your dog more than once a month, unless your vet says otherwise. Bathing a dog makes their skin dry, and gets rid of all the good bacteria and oils that they need to have healthy skin. Additionally, using mild dog shampoo is great, since it reduces the chances of any irritation occurring.
You can also practice good hygiene on your pet’s paws. To do this, try to keep their paws dry whenever possible, and always be sure to trim long nails and fur. If you like to take your dog out for walks where they get their feet wet or dirty, be sure to clean them off and dry them when you get home.
Alternatively, you can get some cute booties for your dog to wear, but we can’t promise your dog will love them as much as you will!
A Conclusion on Corn Chip Canines
A corn chip odor is a completely natural occurrence for your dog. If you notice that your pet is suddenly smelling like a pack of Doritos and you aren’t sure why, it’s probably because of the natural bacteria.
Don’t be alarmed, unless the smell is overpowering and unusually foul. All you can do to reduce the smell is to try to keep your pup’s paws clean and dry. After walks, get all that dirt and mud off, and be sure to dry between their toes.
By implementing some simple hygiene, and bathing no more than once a month, your pet should smell as good as they can. Remember – if you notice any signs of discomfort, bad smells, or even if something just doesn’t look right, call your vet. It’s always best to keep on top of any issues that could occur.
The sooner you know what you’re dealing with, the better the treatment will be. For the sake of you and your dog, always check their paws for anything strange. And remember – don’t be afraid of the corn chip smell, unless it gets awful!
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
