When Your Dog’s Paws Smell Like Corn Chips

I was on the phone recently with a friend who mentioned that, although she’d just given her dog a bath, his paws smelled like Fritos! I knew all too well what she was talking about. From time to time, Emma gets that same smell.

The corn chips (or Fritos) smell has to do with yeast and bacteria on your dog’s paws. Pseudomonas or proteus are types of natural bacteria that make their way into the crevices of the paws. This happens when you take your dog outside and whatever is on the street or grass gets stuck on the paws. Like humans, dogs sweat. But they sweat through their paws. So, sometimes when they sweat, the moisture becomes trapped in the fuzz between their foot pads, causing the smell.

To keep the smell to a minimum, be sure to trim the fuzz between your dog’s foot pads, then clean and dry properly. Whenever you come in from outside, wipe your dog’s paws thoroughly. I always keep a pack of paw wipes at the door, so before I let Emma back in the house, she gets her paws (and bum) wiped.

Keep in mind, dogs lick their paws. It’s their way of cleaning themselves. But if you notice the excessive chewing, licking and nibbling, there may be something else going on with your fur baby. He or she might actually be allergic to something and you may want to schedule a visit to the vet.