Have you noticed the smell of Fritos, corn chips or popcorn coming from your dachshund’s paws? Are you curious as to what this odour is? Maybe you’re wondering if all dachshunds smell like this? Or you’re starting to get concerned about it? Don’t worry, we’re going to get to the bottom of it!
Why Do My Dachshund’s Paws Smell Like Fritos? The Fritos or corn chips smell coming from your dachshund’s paws is actually a build up of natural bacteria, sweat and yeast in his feet that he gets from walking around inside your home and outside in the dirt and grass.
If you hate the smell of Fritos or just want to get rid of it, read on to find out what to do, what else you need to know, if it’s normal and when you need to visit the vet.
Table of Contents
- Why Does My Dachshund Smell Like Fritos?
- Is It Normal For My Dachshund’s Paws To Smell Like Fritos?
- Do All Dachshunds Smell Of Fritos?
- Why Does My Dachshund’s Body Smell Like Fritos?
- Can Dachshunds Eat Fritos?
- How Do I Stop My Dachshund’s Feet Smelling Like Fritos?
- Why Does My Dachshund Smell So Bad?
- Should I See A Vet About My Dachshund’s Frito Feet?
- What Do I Do Next?
This article is based on research and personal experience as a Dachshund owner of 10+ years. I’m not a Vet or qualified dog behaviourist.
Why Does My Dachshund Smell Like Fritos?
Dachshunds don’t wear socks and shoes. They’re constantly standing on surfaces inside the home. They walk on pavements and run around in the grass and dirt. So it’s normal for them to pick up natural bacteria – more specifically ‘pseudomonas’ and ‘proteus’ – on their daily travels.
Dachshunds also sweat, but not in the same way humans do. They sweat through the pads on their paws. The combination of sweat and natural bacteria on their feet are a breeding ground for yeast. This leads to that familiar odour people often describe as smelling like Fritos, popcorn, Doritos, tortillas, Cheetos, corn chips or digestive biscuits!
Is It Normal For My Dachshund’s Paws To Smell Like Fritos?
Yes, it’s normal for your dachshund’s paws to smell like Fritos. In fact, any dog breed can get ‘Fritos feet’ – it’s not exclusive to dachshunds! It’s just a build up of natural bacteria, yeast and sweat in their feet and between their toes.
Most people seem to like the snacky smell but, if the odour is strong or your dachshund is chewing, licking or biting at his paws, you must contact your vet for advice.
Do All Dachshunds Smell Of Fritos?
No, not all dachshunds get that distinct yeasty Fritos smell. But all dachshunds do have smelly feet to a certain extent. They tread in all sorts of things inside the home and outside in the garden and local park. They also love to dig! So it’s natural for their feet to be a bit grubby and smelly.
Why Does My Dachshund’s Body Smell Like Fritos?
The Fritos or corn chips smell generally comes from your dachshund’s feet. But, bacteria and yeast can also grow between folds of skin on your dachshund’s body, ears, face and under his legs. The odour can emit from anywhere where dirt, sweat and natural bacteria can build up.
If the smell is strong and coming from your dachshund’s whole body, you should book to see your vet. There may be an overgrowth of yeast or a bacterial infection that needs to be treated.
Can Dachshunds Eat Fritos?
No, dachshunds shouldn’t eat Fritos. They’re high in oil, salt and fat. Dachshunds are prone to obesity, and human junk food just isn’t suitable for them. Stick to high quality dog treats or feed raw veggies like carrot and cucumber instead.
How Do I Stop My Dachshund’s Feet Smelling Like Fritos?
This best way to stop your dachshund’s feet from smelling like Fritos is to:
- Groom your dachshund
- Bath your dachshund
- Use coconut oil
- Wipe your dachshund’s feet
- Stop your dachshund licking his paws
- Change your dachshund’s diet
This is what you need to know:
Groom your dachshund
Grooming your dachshund’s feet by trimming the fur between his toes and on the bottom of his feet, will really help. Matted, sweaty dog hair will harbour yeast and bacteria and help it grow. Keeping on top of this will minimise that yeasty smell. Check his feet over too and look for any scabbing, redness, infection, swelling, hair loss, crusty or dry skin. If your dachshund has any signs of infection, you need to pop to your vet for advice.
Bath your dachshund
Giving your dachshund a bath will help to get rid of the Fritos smell. Bathing will reduce the dirt, sweat and bacteria that’s built up on his paws or the rest of his face, ears, legs and body. Pay special attention to the feet and clean thoroughly between his toes. An unscented natural shampoo with aloe vera is great for soothing and calming skin.
Use coconut oil
Coconut oil is naturally anti-fungal and may be a good way to stop yeast growing on your dachshund’s feet. After giving your dachshund a bath, dry his feet off and rub some of the oil into his paws. Do this for several days to see if that makes a difference to the odour.
Wipe your dachshund’s feet
If you hate the smell of Fritos, get into the routine of wiping your dachshund’s paws over after walks. Especially if you’ve been somewhere muddy or dirty, or he’s been running around and his feet are sweaty. Make sure you dry his feet off thoroughly too. The longer you leave him damp and caked in mud, the more chance he has of getting ‘Frito feet’!
Stop your dachshund licking his paws
It’s normal for all dogs to lick their feet now and again. But when your dachshund licks his paws, he’s adding even more microbes to his feet. Damp and wet paws are the perfect environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. So get into the habit of distracting him when he’s licking his feet. Move his attention elsewhere with a toy or a treat, and keep his feet dry. This’ll help to reduce eau de Frito!
Change your dachshund’s diet
Diet is said to play a part in that ‘Frito feet’ smell. Dog food that’s high in corn, carbohydrates and is highly processed may contribute to yeast overgrowth and could make the odour stronger. So feed the best quality food you can afford and try to avoid commercial, processed foods with lots of unnecessary fillers. The more natural and clean your dachshund’s diet, the better.
Why Does My Dachshund Smell So Bad?
For most people, the yeasty smell of ‘Frito feet’ is comforting and pleasant. So if your dachshund smells strange, overly yeasty, or just plain bad, there may be something else going on. Check his feet over throughly. Look for any swelling, lumps, injuries, cuts, pus, redness, scabbing, dryness, hair loss, cracked or infected toes, visible sores, crusty skin or things stuck in his paws or legs. If he’s in pain or you find anything out of the norm, it needs to be checked by a vet.
Also, if your dachshund is excessively chewing, licking or biting at his feet or rubbing his ears or butt along the ground, he could have an overgrowth of yeast or bacterial infection. This can be very smelly, itchy and sore, so will also need to be looked at by your vet.
Should I See A Vet About My Dachshund’s Frito Feet?
Most dachshund’s ‘Frito feet’ can be helped with regular grooming and bathing. But an unusual, persistent or strong odour could be an overgrowth of yeast or bacterial skin infection that may need to be treated. If you’re at all concerned about your dachshund’s health or he’s showing any other signs or symptoms, it’s best to get him checked out by a vet.
What Do I Do Next?
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