Why Your Dog's Paws Smell Like Corn Chips

If you've ever noticed a distinct Fritos-like aroma emanating from your dog's paws, you're not alone. Many dog owners observe this peculiar scent and might even wonder if it indicates a health issue. Interestingly, even the corn chip brand acknowledged this phenomenon in a tongue-in-cheek tweet, "Stop saying we smell like dog paws, we're trying to sell corn chips here." This is prepared by SSP.

Causes of the Corn Chip Smell

Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer at the American Kennel Club (AKC), attributes this smell to natural skin bacteria. The culprits are primarily Pseudomonas and Proteus bacteria, which can produce a yeasty odor reminiscent of corn chips. Much like humans, whose feet can smell when grungy or sweaty, dogs' paws develop the scent when there is a shift in skin flora. Unlike humans, dogs don't usually wear shoes, exposing their paws to various surfaces laden with bacteria and fungi, which can enhance the scent.

Veterinarian Dr. Amy Attas elaborates that dogs thermoregulate through their paws by panting and hence, the "Fritos smell" is a normal occurrence rather than an infection. However, issues arise when bacteria multiply uncontrollably, leading to signs such as bumps, redness, swelling, excessive licking, or limping.

Addressing the Smell and Foot Health

Dr. Klein suggests a simple cleaning regimen for maintaining paw hygiene. Washing your dog’s paws with diluted mild dish soap and thoroughly drying them can help manage the odor if it becomes bothersome. Regular inspection for lesions or infections is crucial as persistent odors or changes might necessitate a vet visit.

Dr. Attas advises avoiding masking the smell with perfumes or scented shampoos, stressing that what dogs need is clean, odor-free paws without added scents. Unscented wipes and soaps specific for canine use are recommended. Additionally, Dr. Dwight Alleyne suggests using antiseptic dog-friendly shampoos and trimming fur between the toes to prevent bacterial buildup.

Preventive Measures and Diagnosis

It's essential to observe signs of infection proactively. Slight redness or noticeable behavioral changes like persistent licking are cues for a possible underlying issue. Veterinarians recommend acclimatizing your dog to paw inspections to catch infections early, especially as older dogs might not tolerate thorough checks.

Conclusion

In general, a corn chip smell in dog paws is usual and not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms. Keeping the paws clean without using scented products, regular checks, and understanding your dog's normal odor can help maintain foot health and identify potential problems early. So, the next time you catch a whiff of Fritos, check and clean rather than panic, as it's likely just normal paw bacteria at work.