{"id":916,"date":"2023-01-13T08:39:08","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T16:39:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bowmanvet.com\/?p=916"},"modified":"2023-01-13T08:39:20","modified_gmt":"2023-01-13T16:39:20","slug":"should-i-be-worried-about-frito-feet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bowmanvet.com\/blog\/should-i-be-worried-about-frito-feet\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Be Worried About Frito Feet?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Auburn<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Depending on where you sit, the great debate concerning \u201cFrito feet\u201d could be either completely acceptable or annoyingly off-putting. <\/span> If you have no idea what we\u2019re talking about, you probably don\u2019t own a dog! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even the most well-groomed dogs are covered in fungi and bacteria, some of which can result in a conspicuous paw odor that slightly resembles corn chips. Frito feet can be a real drag, but usually isn’t a cause for concern.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

It Sounds Corny, But…<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dog owners are fairly used to some funky dog smells. Whether they\u2019re gassy or just plain dirty, dogs can get pretty stinky. But why do their lower extremities often smell like corn chips, tortillas or other previously delicious scents?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs have loads of bacteria and fungi living on their skin. It\u2019s a mutually beneficial relationship, but it depends largely on a delicate balance. <\/span>Proteus<\/span><\/i> or <\/span>Pseudomonas<\/span><\/i> bacteria occur naturally in the environment. The combination of these bacteria with dog saliva and sweat, and all sorts of other microbes causes an unmistakable chemical reaction: Frito feet.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mmmm\u2026 Moist and Yeasty<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since (most) dogs don\u2019t wear shoes, their paw pads are exposed to the environment all day, every day. Soaking them in lukewarm water and wiping with a towel after a walk or outdoor playtime is an easy way to keep those adorable paws fresh. You can also trim the hair that grows between their digits to minimize how much environmental bacteria and fungi their feet pick up.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To a Point<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is a point when a dog\u2019s delicate balance gets upended. A bacterial or fungal infection can create a strong, yeasty odor and <\/span>should be addressed without quickly<\/span><\/a>. Off-putting smells can sometimes be explained by other serious health problems like a tumor, growth, or injury.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paw Health<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The health and wellness of your dog can be directly related to their paws. They rely on their feet to get them anywhere they want to go (and they <\/span>want to go everywhere<\/span><\/a>!). Paw troubles make for an unhappy pooch, which is why <\/span>taking extra care of their feet <\/span><\/a>is incredibly important.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice any of the following symptoms, your dog\u2019s feet could need some help:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n