Why Do Your Dog’s Paws Smell Like Fritos? The Hilarious Truth Behind Frito Feet in Dogs
Let’s face it: our furry friends, as amazing and fun-to-be-around as they are, don’t always smell like roses and lavender. And if there’s one particular odor that’s familiar to almost every dog owner, it’s that strange corn chip smell that emanates from their paws — colloquially known as Frito feet.
One Dachshund owner has left TikTok users bursting with laughter after sharing a short clip illustrating the most accurate way to describe Frito paws to non-dog owners. The comical clip — posted on the dog owner’s TikTok account @indytheminidoxie — captures the popular snack Fritos, along with the caption, “Explaining frito paws to non-dog owners.” Let’s just say, if the smell of your dog’s feet reminds you of Fritos, you’re not alone.
Interestingly, other pet parents seem to agree with this comparison in the comments section.
“They do be smelling like Fritos though,” wrote one user.
“We totally get it,” a second person commented.
“Not me smelling my Dachshund’s paws to see if they actually smell like that. They kinda do, but I wanna know why now,” a third person added.
Watch the funny clip below:
@indytheminidoxie The best smell #fritopaws #fritos #dogsoftiktok #dog #petsoftiktok #dachshundsoftiktok ♬ оригинальный звук – mar1shkkkola
Frito Feet In Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve noticed your dog’s paws smell like Fritos, you may find yourself worrying about their overall health. The good news is, Frito feet in dogs are completely normal; they are a result of harmless, naturally-occurring bacteria and yeast that reside on your dog’s paws
Specifically, there are two main types of bacteria found in your dog’s paws: Proteus and Pseudomonas bacteria. These bacteria — when in normal levels — release a mild, musty smell that mimics that of Fritos.
“Frito feet occur due to natural bacteria like Proteus and Pseudomonas on their paw pads. These bacteria produce a yeast-like odor resembling corn chips. It’s harmless unless paired with redness, swelling, or excessive licking — then consult a vet,” explain veterinary experts at the Prystal Vet Surgeons.
Since dogs have active sweat glands on their paw pads, the Fritos smell may be enhanced as the sweat mixes with the bacteria on their feet.
When to Worry About Your Dog’s Frito Paws
In normal cases, the corn chip smell emanating from your dog’s feet shouldn’t be too overwhelming. So, if you realize the Fritos odor is unusually strong, it could be a sign that your furry friend is experiencing an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast on their paws.
Here’s the thing…
The nooks and crannies in your dog’s feet — coupled with the surrounding fur, sweat, and saliva that your dog leaves behind as they groom their paws — create the perfect moist environment for bacteria or yeast to multiply. In such cases, you may notice a pungent odor along with worrying symptoms such as excessive paw licking & chewing, redness on the paws, swelling, blisters or rashes, limping, and hair loss.
Therefore, if your dog has a strong Fritos odor accompanied by any of the symptoms above, it’s advisable to take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis.
Not to mention, certain health issues — like allergies, for instance — can contribute to more pungent Frito paws.
“All dog feet smell to some degree. But some are a little chippier than others. Usually, the reason is dogs do have sweat glands on their feet. Bacteria and yeast like to grow in that type of environment that doesn’t see the sun, and is moist and hairy. Some bacteria smell a little sweeter like Proteus, and others smell a little bit fruitier like Pseudomonas. And that Frito smell can get a lot more pungent with underlying medical conditions like allergies,” shares veterinarian Dr. Hunter Finn of Pet Method Animal Hospital.
How to Manage Your Dog’s Frito Feet
Frito paws in dogs aren’t a cause for alarm, meaning treatment isn’t needed. As long as your dog has a healthy balance of the naturally occurring bacteria on their feet, they’ll have a mild corn chip odor. However, medical treatment may be needed if they’re exhibiting other symptoms besides the Frito smell.
That said, here are a few tips to help keep the corn chip odor to a minimum:
- Groom your dog’s paws regularly
Overgrown hair around your dog’s paws only traps moisture and dirt. This puts your dog at risk of bacteria or yeast overgrowth, and ultimately, strong-smelling Frito paws. To prevent this, make it a habit of trimming your dog’s toenails and the fur on their paws (not forgetting between their toes).
- Often inspect your dog’s paws
It’s important to thoroughly inspect your dog’s paws as often as you can so that can notice any strange change in odor and seek veterinary attention promptly.
- Always Keep Your Dog’s Feet Clean and Dry
Be sure to dry your dog’s paws thoroughly after every bath, swim, or walk in snow or rain. In doing so, you’ll prevent moisture and dirt from remaining trapped and causing smelly feet.
- Try a paw soak
A vet-approved paw soak can help reduce the excess bacteria or yeast causing your dog’s pungent frito paws.
“Mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 4 cups of water in a shallow pan and let your dog step and soak in the pan. No need to rinse you can towel dry. Then take a dab of organic coconut oil and massage it into their paws. It soothes and is great for itchy, cracked, or smelly paws,” recommend pet care experts at Becky’s Pet Care.
Remember, avoid using scented wipes and soap products formulated for humans to mask your dog’s Fritos smell. If you must use any product for your pup’s frito feet, be sure it’s one approved by your vet.
Frito Feet In Dogs FAQs
Why do dogs’ feet smell like Fritos?
Frito feet in dogs are a result of the harmless, naturally occurring bacteria (and yeast) that live on your dog’s paws.
Why do my dog’s feet smell like Fritos?
Your dog’s feet smell like Fritos because of the naturally occurring bacteria present on their paws. These bacteria usually emit a corn chip-like smell.
What causes dog frito feet?
Dog frito feet occur due to the presence of harmless, naturally occurring bacteria and yeast on your dog’s paws.
Frito feet dog treatment
As explained earlier, frito feet in dogs are normal and don’t require treatment, particularly if the frito odor is mild.
Dog frito feet cure
It’s normal for dogs to have frito feet. However, if the odor is too overwhelming, it’s advisable to see the vet for a proper diagnosis and the best course of treatment.
Why does my dog’s feet smell like Fritos?
Frito feet in dogs are a result of naturally occurring bacteria and yeast living in your dog’s paws. It’s normal for these microorganisms to emit a mild corn chip-like odor.
Frito feet dogs treatment
Frito feet in dogs don’t require treatment, particularly if the odor is mild. However, treatment may be required if there are other signs besides the fritos smell. For example, redness, excessive licking of paws, and swelling.
Is it bad that my dog’s feet smell like Fritos?
It’s normal for a dog’s feet to smell like fritos. You should only worry if the smell moves from mild to pungent, and is accompanied by symptoms like excessive paw licking, redness, and hair loss on the paws.
Home remedies for dog frito feet
As mentioned earlier, remedies such as grooming your dog’s feet regularly, inspecting their feet often, properly drying their paws, and doing a paw soak can help reduce the Fritos smell.
