My Dog's Feet Smell

[largeheartedgirl]

We have a 1-1/2 year old terrier mix named Lily. She has short hair and so I bathe her about once every 2 to 3 weeks. However, her feet stink--like old corn chips. /-p We have always fed her a high quality food (Nutro Naturals/Solid Gold) and switching food didn't improve the smell.

Her bedding needs to be laundered about every two days or it becomes overwhelming. Our rugs and sofa (and it seems like our whole house) smell like her stinky feet. I'm using cushion covers on the sofa, of course, but she likes to prop herself on the arm and it reeks like her feet.

I do know that dogs (and many animals, for that matter) perspire through their feet. I'm concerned that if I wash her feet too frequently, that the pads will crack. I've tried unscented, alcohol-free baby wipes, but that just doesn't do the job. How frequently can I wash my dog's feet?

Does the strong smell indicate a foot fungus? I plan to take her to the vet next time we get our cat vaccinated (January), but I had hoped to glean some ideas from this forum.

One last thought--the shelter we rescued her from advertised her as a chihuahua - beagle mix. A client of mine kept and raised beagle dogs and said that they are "gamy"-smelling dogs. Has anyone heard of this?

[Seravieve]

All three of our dogs have a 'corn chip' smell to their feet. I think its a normal smell for their feet. Its not so strong that I can smell it from a distance, but if their feet are about 12 in from my face or so I notice it.

I wouldn't bath your dog too much, as it can cause skin irritations. And it strips their coat of natural oils. I would say no more than once a month, and thats even a lot by some people's standards. I dont know about how often to wash her feet. Probably would be better to just wash her feet, instead of her whole body though.

[Cincy'sMom]

Frito Feet have been discussed quite a bit around here, and for many years...check out this Thread from 2000. There are more if you search too.

[lizbud]

Have you ever asked a Vet for opinions on the strong smell ? The dog
could have some sort of chemical imbalence.Maybe the Vet can suggest
something to try that helps.

[K9karen]

Please do yourself a huge favor and read that "Frito Feet" thread from 2000! It's CLASSIC! And one of my all time favorites!!!

My Mz Logan's feetsies smell more like yummy frito corm chips than RB Cody's ever did! Gawd..but I LOVE it! Nothing watches it off as far as I've tried. 'Cuse me while I stop a second for a whiff...