‘Popcorn paws’ is a common condition affecting pets

The joy that companion animals bring into a household is what compels millions of people to adopt, purchase or foster pets. Pet ownership requires doing what is necessary to keep the animal content and healthy.

Recognizing various common health conditions that can turn up in pets is one component of responsible pet ownership. Popcorn paws is a common yet lesser known condition that affects popular house pets like cats and dogs.

What is popcorn paws?

Popcorn paws, sometimes called Frito® feet, is often discovered when pet owners are tending to their dogs and cats. The condition is so named because pet owners often notice their animals’ paws smell of popcorn or corn chips. That odor is a byproduct of bacteria.

Billions of microorganisms are teeming on the skin of pets like dogs and cats. According to the staff at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey, popcorn paws occurs when bacteria called pseudomonas and proteus mix with sweat and other moisture on the paws of pets’ feet. Coupled with microbes on the pet’s tongue, which the animal will likely use to clean areas of its body, including the paws, these microbes grow and give off a yeasty odor that some have likened to the smell of popcorn or corn chips.

Dogs in particular have an abundance of sweat glands in their feet. Furthermore, the area between the pads on their paws is moist and dark, which makes this area ripe for the overgrowth of bacteria and yeasts. Even though these microbes are naturally occurring, an overwhelming smell may indicate they’ve proliferated out of control.

When should I be concerned?

Minor yeasty aromas may be nothing to worry about, and keeping pets’ paws clean and dry may help clear up the issue. Long fur on the paws and in between the pads of the feet should be trimmed to curb odor and reduce the accumulation of debris and dirt in these areas. Various hygienic measures can help the matter.

The dog health and lifestyle experts at Dogster.com say that if the smell is quite foul, or the pet is consistently licking its feet or having trouble walking, the situation may be more serious. An injury or yeast infection could be at play. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and discuss symptoms with a veterinarian. The doctor may suggest certain measures, including changing diet and altering hygiene routines. This is a safer bet than homeopathic treatments or strategies touted on medically unsanctioned websites.

Popcorn paws could be making pets a little more smelly than they need to be. Thankfully, getting on top of this health condition is relatively simple.