Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic Blog

Your pet’s paws are more than just adorable. They are what allows for those romps in the fields, a good swimming session, digging in the dirt, and even some special bonding moments. Who can resist that gentle paw in your lap when you least expect it?

Paws are certainly tough, but they also take a beating. Paws come into close contact with the world around them, and are constantly exposed to moisture, allergens, irritants, and other dangers. It’s no wonder that paw problems in pets aren’t uncommon.

“Why do my pet’s paws smell like Fritos?” This is a surprisingly common question that we get here at Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic. No, you aren’t imagining things and, no, your dog isn’t getting into your stash of salty treats (at least, we hope not!).

We believe strongly in empowering pet owners with as much knowledge as possible about their pets. Whether it helps identify a future health problem or is just a fun bit of party trivia, finding out why your pet’s paws smell like Fritos is worth the effort!

A dog’s or cat’s paws do a lot of work. They not only help to get them from point A to point B, but are their main contact with the world. The paws can take the brunt of issues including allergy, infection, foreign body reaction, and pressure associated reactions. Your pet’s feet are in contact with his or her environment more than any other part of the body, making them vulnerable. Keep reading to learn more about common pet paw problems.

Pet Paw Problems due to Allergies

Many pet owners notice that their pet is constantly licking or chewing at his or her paws. There can be many reasons for this; however the most common cause is an underlying allergy. When paws are exposed to environmental substances such as grass, leaves, weeds, or chemicals they can become extremely itchy. The paws may even develop a reddish stain, if they are light in color, due to saliva exposure from licking or infection. Continue…