The mystery of canine odors is one most of us don’t really want to sleuth out. Unless the smell becomes bothersome, the topic of stinky feet isn’t something that comes up in normal conversation about pets.
When it comes to “Frito feet”, however, many dog owners will readily admit that their dog’s paws do strangely smell like that corn based snack!
The case of Frito feet isn’t that difficult to solve. The team at Godspeed Animal Care is here to explain why this smell is a natural and generally harmless one.
The Bacteria that Cause Funky Feet
The yeasty, corn-like odor you may smell near your dog’s paws is actually quite common. In fact, what you are smelling is a combination of bacteria and yeast that are normally in balance on the skin and therefore without problems. The bacteria that are responsible for the Frito smell are pseudomonas and proteus. In combination with yeast buildup, the smell ensues.
The other cause of the weird paw smells are microbial deposits that mix with the bacteria and yeast each time your pet licks their paws. Add in all the debris, mud, ditch water, grass, and other things your pet traipses through, and voila! The corn chip case is solved.
When the Stink Becomes Serious
Sometimes the bacteria on your pet’s skin can become unbalanced, resulting in skin conditions, including odor. Be alert to the following signs of paw problems in pets:
- Putrid smell
- Open wounds that won’t heal
- Bleeding/scabbing
- Scaling, dryness of paws
- Red, inflamed skin
- Foreign body injury
In order to avoid an infection, please call and schedule an appointment for an examination, should these signs present themselves.
Getting Rid of Frito Feet
While a normal, healthy pet may have some smells that are unpleasant, because they are dogs, after all, the odor can be diminished. Make sure to keep your pet’s paws clean, the fur and nails trimmed, and the pads wiped free of debris after a walk. Regular shampooing is another good way to curb the smell.
If you would like more information on Frito feet and your pet’s health, or any other pet topic, please contact us.