Do Your Dogs Paws Really Smell Like Fritos?

When I was a kid, I would swear that my dogs paws smelled like popcorn, seriously. Now I realize I may have been mistaken. They could have smelled like Fritos!

Go ahead, try smelling your dogs paws. What do you think? Corn Chips, Fritos? Probably so, and you're asking yourself why, what is wrong with my dog!

It's all good, according to the website The Spruce Pets! It’s simply a naturally occurring bacteria that lives on your dog's paws that, for some reason, has the same smell as corn chips. In fact, the phenomenon is often referred to as "Frito Feet."

The Spruce website addresses dogs sweat by panting to cool off, as we know, but the primary way they cool down is actually through their feet. Who knew. Sweat is released from glands that then obviously causes moisture between the paw pads and toes. When moisture combines with heat without being allowed to dry out regularly, bacteria or yeast can invade. Certain types of bacteria and yeast will then cause a corn chip smell in the feet of dogs. Simple, isn't it.

Is this bad for your pooch? Not typically, but vets do say that if your dog is licking or chewing at their feet they may be irritated due to an abundance of bacteria and yeast in a dog's feet. That is the time to take your dog to your vet and have them treated.

All in all, Fritos Feet are fine for your dog, but maybe not for you. Be careful because Vets say the Fritos smell may cause an intense craving for guacamole!