Dog owners are no strangers to their four-legged companion’s feet smelling like corn chips, but the cause of the smell is rather interesting.Today, we tell you various facts and answer questions related to somewhat bizarre yet ordinary odors that smell like corn chips. Does it have anything to do with your dog’s health, or is it just something that dog’s feet do?If you’ve ever felt like your dog’s feet smell like Fritos, then you are not alone. Many dog owners notice a Fritos-like corn chip smell around their beloved pets’ fur or feet, but the reason behind this isn’t so simple. Before we get into details about what your dog’s paw scent means, if your dog’s feet smell excessively stinky, swollen, itchy, or have discharge, this might indicate bigger health concerns and problems that need to be looked into by a veterinarian. But if all seems well, then here are some myths, facts, preventions, and all you need to know about your pet’s smelly feet. In this article, you will find ways you can use to take care of the Frito smell if it becomes annoying.If you enjoyed this article, then also read fun articles about why do huskies talk? And why do dogs shake their heads?Do all dogs’ feet smell like Fritos?The corn chip smell that you notice from your dog’s feet is mainly because of microorganisms. Dog feet make a flourishing host for microbes, particularly proteus or pseudomonas. These microbes cause the Fritos-like smell. Microbes give out a yeasty smell making your pet’s feet smell. But, this smell is entirely okay.Not every dogs’ feet smell like corn chips. Your dog’s breed also plays a vital role in making the paws’ scent more or less distinct. If your dog’s feet still happen to smell like Fritos, do not panic, a balanced amount of bacteria is normal.When do dogs’ feet smell like Fritos?One myth that is commonly believed to cause the odor is having cheaper dog food on your pet’s menu. Many people wrongly believe that switching your dog food with the expensive kind will stop the dog’s paws from smelling. Most manufacturing companies that sell dog food at low prices have corn in them. It is believed that because the dog is consuming corn, its feet smell like corn too. Although diet plays a crucial role in keeping your dog healthy, this is not the reason behind your pet’s smelly feet.You might have observed that sometimes your dog’s paws smell like Cheetos. Poor hygiene and poor diet can also cause your dog to smell like Cheetos. This is due to bacterial and fungal growth in dogs’ paw pads, giving the dog’s feet the smell of corn chips. Sometimes even the fur, which is completely healthy and natural, releases a funny smell. This scent usually intensifies after the dog falls asleep. The reason being the heat generated while the dogs are asleep encourages bacterial activity causing their toes to smell.While a little funny smell is okay, symptoms like inflammation, foul smells, or injuries that haven’t healed are not. If you observe something abnormal on your dog’s paws, you should contact your veterinarian right away. Your vet should take care of each of these issues and treat your beloved companion.How to take care of your dog’s feet?Sometimes that Fritos smell can really get out of hand, becoming extremely irritating, which might have got you thinking if there is anything at all that you can do to get rid of this funky smell?Well, a few tips include shaving your dogs’ paws, since longer hair between paw pads can provide a suitable environment for more bacteria to build up. Another way to lessen the bacterial build-up is by giving them a regular wash. Regular hygiene helps keep the odor down too. Washing your pet’s feet after a walk significantly reduces the smell. Consider using pet booties to keep the dog’s paws clean and injury-free. Try to keep the dog’s feet dry, since damp, dirty surfaces create a suitable environment for more bacteria to build up, causing odors and health issues.Why do dogs’ feet smell?Fritos feet can have multiple causes. But the main culprit behind making your dog’s paws smell like corn is the bacteria and fungi that grow on the dog’s feet. This Fritos smell isn’t something to be concerned about since some amount of bacteria is normal, but too much bacteria can lead to health concerns.We, humans, have sweat glands on our skin, but unlike us, dogs only have sweat glands present on the pads of their feet, and a few have them on their noses. This means that the dogs’ sweat is mostly only formed in the paws. Also, because there isn’t a lot of air dissemination in the dogs’ toes, the moist and damp surface contributes to the development of microscopic organisms, bacteria, and yeast making dog feet smell.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you like our suggestions for why do dogs’ feet smell like Fritos? Truth about your dog paws unmasked, then why not take a look at why do dogs reverse sneeze? Or why do animals like being pet? And how to pet a dog?

Dog owners are no strangers to their four-legged companion’s feet smelling like corn chips, but the cause of the smell is rather interesting.