No matter how perfect your pooch is ( and are n’t they all ? ) dogs often smell a bit , well , doggy . Typically , these aromas depart from frump to Canis familiaris . However , if you ’ve ever caught a puff of your dog ’s manus and wonder , “ Why does my wiener smell like Fritos ? ” you ’re not alone .
Many pet parent cover this oddly intimate , corn chiparoma emanating from their pup ’ paws . And that includesDr . David Haworth , DVM , executive vice chairwoman of research and exploitation atEmbark Veterinary .
Dr. Haworth is a fan of the smell of Frito paw on dogs . “ It ’s corn chip shot , it ’s Doritos . It ’s an umami , piquant , earthy flavor that , if you ’re really favourable , has skunk overtones and rosemary , ” he says . “ It ’s a bouquet . ”
So , what is this scent ? Why do dogs smelling like Fritos in the first position , and is it something to occupy about ? countenance ’s dig in and find out .
All About Dog Frito Smell
Pet parent have liken the smell of their dogs ’ paw to all sort of salty snacks — corn chips , Zea mays everta , and even Cheetos .
In most typesetter’s case , this aroma comes from yourdog ’s feet or paws , rather than another part of their physical structure . It ’s often due to thesweat glandsin the nook and crannies of dog foot . These can create an ideal environment for microorganisms such as bacteria , yeast , and algae to cultivate .
Two bacterium in special — PseudomonasandProteus — are the most common culprits behind dog Frito paw . They tend to thrive on dog substructure , where they give rise the zesty smell that smells like corn chips to many pet parents .
However , these offenders rarely act alone . Dogs who drop a lot of time out of doors can pull together microorganisms from the grease , grass , and other innate materials . As Dr. Haworth puts it , outdoor dogs have the “ highest immersion of ground smells . ”
Although the edible corn chip odor is commonly strong on a dog ’s groundwork , Dr. Haworth says that it can also occur elsewhere . You might also smack that Frito scent near your weenie ’s tail headspring ( where the back meets the tail ) or even on theears . Essentially , the odor can develop anywhere yeast and bacterium thrive .
Some dog breeds may be more susceptible to Frito foot than others . For instance , spawn such asBulldogs , Shar Peis , andPugsare more probable to contractskin fold dermatitis . And this precondition can contribute to that typical corn whiskey chip smell .
stock with extra - loggerheaded fur around their paws — such asGolden RetrieversorBernese Mountain Dogs — also lean toward Frito foot . The more profuse the pelt around their hand , the more likely it is to snare microorganisms .
Dr. Haworth bring that he thinks dogs have more strongly scented paw when they have liberal feet as opposed to small human foot . “ That ’s just a mass result , I would carry , ” he says .
Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fritos?
In most case , Frito - scented domestic dog foot are completely normal and nothing to worry about .
However , a strong Indian corn chip smell can also accompanyinfections on dog paws . This could take place if your dog has an infected nail bed , an infection within the paw crease , or even an infected paw laceration .
Dr. Haworth says the main signboard of an contagion are :
So , while Frito paws on their own are n’t cause for concern , bide brisk for other warning signs of infection .
In cases of infection , Dr. Haworth enjoin , “ You ’d mark their discomfort . Or you ’d see themlicking their pawsa lot more than usual because that ’s the way that they scratch — with their teeth . They might waffle to put their paw down , ” he adds .
Some dog breeds are more susceptible to paw problems . For example , onereportnoted thatLabradors’wide paw make them more probable to develop paw disease . Similarly , Pekingese and some terrier are prostrate to foot dermatitis and other hand - related wellness issues .
If you call up your dog might be suffering from some form of mitt transmission , take them to the veterinary surgeon as shortly as you could .
What to Do if Dog’s Paws Smell Like Fritos
As long as your frump ’s Frito feet are n’t due to an transmission or other paw wellness egress , there ’s no need for discourse .
However , if the smell bothers you , Dr. Haworth offers a unsubdivided solution : bathtime .
“ Make certain you like the spirit of the shampoo and then give your hot dog a bath , ” says Dr. Haworth .
And if your dog has redundant pelt around their mitt pads that could trap microorganism , take trimming that fur . This is what Dr. Haworth does for his golden retriever .
“ I take a pair of scissors grip to his feet because he come what we call hobbit substructure — tufts of fur number out between his toe , ” enjoin Dr. Haworth .
“ I find it adorable , but it can trap bacteria or other organic that we do n’t need snare in there , ” he notes .
You may find galvanizing shavers with a guard safer to use between the paw pad of paper . If you are using scissors , be extremely careful to head off accidentally snipping the mitt pads or the pelt webbing between the toes .
If the smell stay , you’re able to strain clean your dog ’s hand with a solution of chlorhexidine load with water . However , it ’s significant to habituate caution , says Dr. Haworth .
Chlorhexidine is a germicide with antiseptic attribute . Even when it ’s diluted , it can be toxic if consume . So Dr. Haworth recommends ensuring your dog-iron does n’t lick their paws when the solution is on them . And after you wash their paws , carefully dry out your click ’s feet with a towel .
If you need more advice on how to clean your andiron ’s crappy Frito feet , always assay advice from your veterinary surgeon . A reputable dog groomer may also have good recommendations for oversee Frito feet .
How to Prevent Dog Frito Feet
To help forestall your dog from give birth Frito pes , here are some good peak for pet parents :
But for the most part , unless there are mark of infection , favored parent do n’t have to worry about Frito - sweet paws .
In those case , “ it ’s perfectly harmless , and in fact , I find it to be a quite adorable odor , ” says Dr. Haworth .
If you do n’t love the aroma already , perchance you ’ll develop to be intimate it , too .
