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Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day:
Daisy!
Meme of the day: I wouldn’t want it any other way!
Myth: Pet insurance doesn’t cover everything
Many pet owners worry that insurance won’t cover everything, especially routine care or pre-existing conditions. While that’s true in many cases, most insurers now offer wellness add-ons for preventive care like vaccines, dental cleanings, and check-ups, giving you more complete coverage. View Money’s pet insurance list to find plans for as low as $10 a month.
The Truth Behind "Frito Feet": Why Your Dog's Paws Smell Like a Salty Snack
It’s one of the most charmingly odd discoveries of dog ownership: that warm, yeasty, almost irresistible scent wafting up from your dog's paws, so much like a fresh bag of corn chips! If you’ve ever leaned in for a cuddle and found yourself craving a salty snack, you are definitely not alone. This phenomenon, affectionately nicknamed "Frito Feet," is incredibly common and has a perfectly natural, scientific explanation.
So, is your dog moonlighting at a snack factory? Not quite!
The Bacterial Blender
The secret to the "Frito Feet" aroma lies in the fascinating world of microorganisms—specifically, a harmonious mix of bacteria and yeast that live on your dog’s skin, including their paws.
The main culprits in creating this snack-like scent are two types of bacteria: Proteus and Pseudomonas. These tiny organisms, which are often completely harmless and naturally present in your dog's environment, produce waste products as they go about their day. One of these byproducts is a chemical compound called isovaleric acid, which happens to be the same acid that contributes to the smell of certain cheeses and, you guessed it, corn chips!
Why the Paws? The Perfect Environment
Why don’t your dog’s ears or belly smell like your favorite snack? The paws are uniquely structured to be a little microbial resort:
Sweat Glands: Unlike humans who sweat all over, dogs only have sweat glands in a few places, most notably their paw pads and nose. The moisture from these glands, combined with a dog's natural body heat, creates a warm, damp, and dark environment.
Fur and Crevices: The hair between your dog's toes and the little crevices of their paw pads act like a natural sponge, trapping dirt, debris, and, most importantly, moisture.
Licking: All dogs lick their paws from time to time as part of their grooming ritual. The saliva adds another layer of moisture and nutrients, further encouraging the microbial party.
This delightful combination of bacteria, yeast, moisture, and warmth is the perfect recipe for those snack-tacular scents.
Should I Be Concerned About Frito Feet?
In most cases, a mild, corn chip-like scent is completely normal and nothing to worry about. It’s simply the sign of a healthy, natural microbiome doing its thing. It's often strongest right after your dog wakes up from a nap, as the heat and lack of movement have allowed the scent to build up.
However, if the smell becomes overpoweringly strong, pungent, or sour, or if you notice other changes in your dog's paws, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian. Signs that the microbial balance might be off and an infection (bacterial or yeast) could be present include:
Excessive licking or chewing of the paws.
Redness, swelling, or irritation.
Discharge or broken skin.
A vet can check for underlying issues like allergies, fungal infections, or foreign objects to ensure your pup's feet stay healthy.
Embrace the Quirky Scent
For most pet parents, "Frito Feet" is just another one of those quirky, endearing things that makes owning a dog so special. It’s a subtle, familiar, and strangely comforting scent that reminds you of your best friend's presence. So go ahead—next time you're snuggling on the couch, take a moment to appreciate the science behind your dog's uniquely snack-scented toes. Just maybe keep an actual bag of corn chips handy.
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Raw Bistro - Frozen Beef Dog Food for potential Salmonella contamination.
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Viva - Ground Beef for Dogs and Ground Chicken for Dogs and Cats for potential Salmonella and Listeria contamination.
The Smile Section
Family Photo of the Day:
Nala!
We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
Share our newsletter with your friends!
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Meme of the day: @maruhusky
