Why Do my Dog's Feet Smell Like Corn Chips?

If you get close enough to your dog’s feet, you might have noticed that they smell a bit like corn chips or Fritos. Some dog owners don’t mind the aroma. Others might find the smell unpleasant and perhaps even wonder if it’s a sign of poor health. Since dogs can’t tell us what’s wrong, it’s our job to learn what smells are normal and when it might be time to intervene and seek veterinary care.

What Causes the Corn Chip Smell?

At any given time, dogs have some level of bacteria and fungi on their skin. “When your dog’s paws have a bacteria called Pseudomonas and Proteus, they can give off a yeasty odor that smells similar to corn chips,” says American Kennel Club Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM.

Dogs control their body temperature by panting. “Since they don’t perspire, the only place dogs have to cool down is on the bottom of their feet,” explains Dr. Amy Attas, VMD. She emphasizes that the “Fritos smell is completely normal” and doesn’t mean that your dog has a bacterial or fungal infection.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-do-my-dogs-feet-smell-like-fritos/