Why Do Dog’s Back Paws Smell Like Fritos?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Our dogs walk on and through many surfaces daily, and normally pick up naturally occuring bacteria on their pads. Two types of bacteria, Pseudomonas and Proteus typically cause the corn chips smell when mixed with the saliva of grooming and normal sweat from the paw pads .

Why does my dog smell like Frito Lay?

It's Natural! The odor on your pet's paws is typically nothing to worry about. Bacteria and fungi live on the skin and, when in balance, is healthy and normal. The “Fritos feet” phenomenon is from a bacteria called Pseudomonas and Proteus, which give off a yeasty odor that can smell like corn chips.

Is Frito feet bad for dogs?

The bacteria and yeast that cause Frito feet aren't typically dangerous for your pet , but if the smell becomes overwhelming or foul there may be an underlying health concern that needs to be addressed. Yeast or bacterial overgrowth can cause significant problems for pets with allergies or compromised immune systems.

What causes Frito feet in dogs?

Why “Frito Feet” Happens

When your dog's paws have a bacteria called Pseudomonas and Proteus , their paws can give off a yeasty odor that does smell similar to corn chips. Additionally, because dogs sweat through their paws (Just as human feet sweat!), that sweat can activate the smell in this bacteria.

How do I get my dog to stop smelling like corn chips?

If you want to reduce the corn chip smell, wash your dog's feet regularly with a gentle, pet-approved shampoo . Dry thoroughly, paying special attention to the areas in between the toes. Trim any long hairs in between the toes as well, and while you're at it, clip the toenails if they are too long.

Why do my feet smell like Fritos?

It's due to a buildup of sweat, which results bacteria growth on the skin . These bacteria cause bad odors. Fungal infections like athlete's foot can also lead to bromodosis. The good news is that bromodosis is easy, quick, and inexpensive to treat.

Why does my dog smell like Fritos when he wakes up?

Why Dog Paws Smell Like Fritos

Even the cleanest, healthiest pooch has trillions of bacteria and fungi living on their skin. That yeasty, corn chip smell is actually a normal byproduct of harmless bacteria, usually Proteus or Pseudomonas , both of which are naturally present in our environment.

How do I stop my feet from smelling like corn chips?

  1. wash them well every day with soap and warm water.
  2. dry them completely whenever they get wet.
  3. keep your toenails short and clean.
  4. remove any hard skin from the soles of your feet by filing it off – this skin can get soggy and breed bacteria.

How do I get rid of yeast smell on my dog?

( 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of peroxide and 1 cup of vinegar ). Walk your dog through the antifungal mixture several times a day being sure to cover all yeasty paws. There is no need to rinse with water, just pat dry.

How do you treat Frito feet?

Regular washing of feet . Once weekly you could use a mild shampoo and suds up each paw and wash away with copious amounts of water. Be sure to wash in between each of the toes, around each nail, and around all pads. When done, be sure to dry the paws well, including in between the toes.

Why does my dog smell like stinky feet?

Odorous Paws

If your pet's paws smell funky, it could be that dirt or other debris has gotten trapped between their toes or paw pads . In this case, you may need to simply wipe or wash their paws off.

Why do my feet smell like Cheetos?

That sweat creates a prime environment for bacteria to grow, and their metabolic processes emit a certain odor. In fact, one type of bacteria, brevibacterium, lives in between the toes, thrives in a damp, salty environment, and produces the cheese-like smell of feet .

How do I know if my dog has a yeast infection on his paws?

  1. Itchiness.
  2. Inflamed, swollen or red nail beds.
  3. Musty odor coming from the paws.
  4. Thickened skin.
  5. Greasy skin.
  6. Flaky, crusty skin on the paws.
  7. Discharge from the skin or nail beds.
  8. Swelling of the afflicted area.

How do you prevent bromodosis?

Most cases of bromodosis can be treated right at home with careful, regular foot care. Wash feet every day with an antibacterial soap and a brush or washcloth. Dry carefully, especially between the toes to avoid bacteria growth. Keep toenails trimmed short and clean under the nails each day.

What makes your feet smell like corn chips?

That corn chips smell is caused by naturally occurring bacteria . Two types are typically involved, both of which give off a yeasty odor. Both the Pseudomonas and Proteus bacteria can cause the corn chip smell, and both are completely harmless. Even healthy dogs have normal bacteria on their feet and skin (we do, too).

What does it mean when you smell like corn chips?

There's Brevibacteria on our feet too, and on our skin usually, and the hot weather at the moment is causing an outburst of this Brevibacterium – kind of a party on your feet, and they're releasing this chemical compound which smells of cheesy corn chips as Tad says.

Why do my clothes smell like Fritos?

Damp. A damp surface is a favourable and conducive environment for bacterias to breed and grow . Your towel is likely to pick an unlikely smell that resembles that of corn chips if you leave it wet. When they are left wet oftentimes it results in the formation and sending off of corn chips smell.

Why do I smell like Doritos?

What causes smelly feet in females?

For example, women and teens may get sweatier due to hormonal changes in their bodies . People with hyperhidrosis may also have sweatier feet since this condition causes excess sweating. In turn, the extra sweat can cause your feet to smell bad.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.