Then, there’s my husband who says our Chihuahua’s paws smell like cheesy popcorn. A lot of people seem to think their pup's paws smell like corn chips. The truth of the matter is that feet stink. So why exactly do your dog's paws smell like Fritos? So why do dog feet smell like Fritos? And now we know why Why Do My Dog's Paws Smell Like Fritos? One common theory is that the corn chip smell on a dogs paws is caused by excess corn in their diet. Relax, it’s normal that your healthy dog has bacteria and even fungi living on his or her skin. Nevertheless, I was curious to know why a dog’s paws, ears or other body parts, could have accumulated this pungent smell. Dogs can cut their paws, break nails or toes, get puncture wounds and burn their paw pads on how pavement. Bacteria such as Proteus, for example, can emit a yeasty smell which dog owners may think of as the smell of Fritos and corn chips. And although a healthy diet is always important it’s not the cause of that corn chip smell on your dogs feet. The odor on your pet’s paws is typically nothing to worry about. Do your dog’s paws smell like Fritos? Updated on 9/13/2017 at 2:01 PM. Two types are typically involved, both of which give off a yeasty odor. This is more likely for dogs that aren’t getting groomed on a regular basis. I also THINK that dogs have sweat glands in their feet and that would leave a salty smell. If they do, this unique scent may be an indication of an infection. We're not sure why, but we think it's because the heat that a sleeping dog generates creates prime conditions for bacteria to flourish. For this reason, AnimalWised looks into what happens when my dog's paws smell bad like Fritos. The Frito smell that comes from your dog’s feet is completely normal. This week on Reactions, we tackle the chemistry behind that smell, and ask people to sniff their cute companions in the process. A lot of people seem to think their pup’s paws smell like corn chips. That sweat can mix with yeast-like bacteria and it may get trapped in your dog’s fur coat, enhancing the Frito-like smell. References and Further Reading. By Sarah V Schweig. "They secrete a little bit of fluid just to keep the skin moist and supple. Dogs' paws smell like Fritos or popcorn because of the microorganisms and bacteria living on their sweat. Bacteria and Yeast. The Reason Those Dog Feet Smell Like Fritos (Image Credit: Getty Images) The secret behind the dog paw Frito smell is that those paw pads are where dogs do the majority of their sweating. Photo Credit: For My Dachshund . Basically, your dog’s sweat glands are concentrated in their paw pads, which, surrounded by fur, create damp crevices ideal for bacteria and fungi to grow. ‘Fritos feet’ are real. Why do dog paws smell like Fritos is actually caused by bacteria and sweat in your dog’s paws. If you really don't like the smell, take heart: the smell is usually more prominent in the morning, because the Proteus bacteria (the corn chip-smelling bacteria) appears to intensify after a dog has been sleeping. Fido's Frito feet are real, and your dog's feet smell like Fritos because of a build up of sweat, bacteria, and yeast. Whether you find the aroma comforting (many do) or disgusting, you may have wondered what causes it. Do your dog’s paws smell like Fritos? This week on Reactions, we tackle the chemistry behind that smell , and ask people to … Smelly Problems with Dog Feet. What Is the Smell of Dog’s Feet Like? Most will even go so far as pinpointing their dog’s feet as the Fritos-smelling location. We’ve put together some information on how you can resolve this issue. Unfortunately, when dogs start to smell, it’s hard to ignore. Same. Nope, you’re not going crazy. When we do notice our dog's paws smell bad, it might be the problem has had time to progress. If you’ve never noticed this before, go ahead and take a whiff of your pup’s paws and there’s a good chance you’ll see (and smell) what I’m talking about. Often, dog owners complain that their pet smells like corn chips. In a video for National Geographic , veterinarian Dr. Courtney Campbell explains that dogs have what are called eccrine glands on their paw pads and noses. The small amounts of bacteria that are causing this distinct smell are very normal for dogs to harbor. Why Do Dogs' Paws Smell Like Corn Chips? One common smell is the odor of corn chips. Even the cleanest dogs have trillions of bacteria living on their skin. Despite our differing hygiene routines, both human and dog paws can get pretty funky. So is this something you should worry about, or is your dog’s smell just making you strangely hungry? What Causes a Dachshund’s Feet to Smell Like Fritos? 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