A simple solution can be to wash their paws or wipe them with a damp cloth after a walk. If they have extra smelly paws and are willing, you can let them soak their paws in soapy water (from dog shampoo only, of course) for 30 seconds to 1 minute each paw. Make sure you dry in between those toes thoroughly, though!
Countering Smelly Paws
You can mitigate smelly paws in these ways: Give your dog regular baths, giving special attention to their feet. A hypoallergenic, pet-specific product will reduce itchiness and keep their skin feeling great. Massage this into the skin between the toes and be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly.
That's because bacteria, fungi, and other causes of odors are normal and present on pet skin. A pet's feet are in touch with everything they encounter on the ground, including microbes and various icky substances. Then, to add to the toe-funk, dogs will frequently lick their feet and add more bacteria to the mix!
External irritants, allergens, burns, or bacterial/viral/parasitic/fungal infections can all be present. If your dog still smells after a bath, is excessively scratching or licking, has a lot of scaling, or is rubbing his/herself on the carpet, take them to a vet as soon as possible.
Since baking soda kills bacteria, this household cleanser is a natural choice to clean your dog. It's harmless if small amounts are ingested, however it's dangerous for dogs to eat it in large quantities. It's a good idea to ask your veterinarian before using it, because some dogs can be allergic.
No, it is not recommended that you use baby wipes on dogs, or any other pets. That's because the pH level on human skin is different to dogs so baby wipes are unsafe because they may cause irritation or itching.
It's especially useful to minimize itchy feet and ears. Thoroughly soak the dog's paws in a vinegar-water mix. Use cotton swab or gauze pads soaked in the mixture to clean ears. A massage with a diluted ACV mix will go a long way toward relieving strained muscles from overactivity.
If you frequently take your dog hiking, for example, you may need to check and wash their paws after every trip to the trails. On the other hand, a pooch who spends most of their time indoors and just goes on light neighborhood walks might only need a cleaning when the weather is bad and their paws get dirty or wet.
The best way to prevent Frito feet or any infection is to keep your dog's feet as clean as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind: Bathe your dog regularly, paying special attention to their paws and between their paw pads. Be sure not to bathe more than once per month unless directed by your veterinarian.
Dogs' Frito feet odor is caused by bacteria and yeast (fungi) that thrive in between your dog's paw pads. Two types of bacteria, in particular proteus and pseudomonas, produce a volatile chemical that has a salty/yeasty odor.
If you notice a corn chip-like smell on your dog's paws, Dr. Wystrach advises working with a veterinarian to discover the cause of the odor, which can be linked to infections, allergies, or other underlying health issues.
As with other dog behaviors, there can be several reasons that lead dogs to lick or chew their paws. These include injuries; skin problems; environmental, parasite, or food allergies; and boredom or anxiety.
Don't use human deodorant for your pup. Human skin has a different pH level than dog skin, and human-oriented skin products may lead to irritation and drying. Instead, pick out a deodorant that's made specifically for your four-footer. Consider the scent profile of the deodorizer.
Soak for about 3 minutes, but not over 5 minutes. Use this as a good time to bond with your pet by offering treats and pets. Simply dry your pet's paws after you use the rinse. You can do this every day for a while, but a couple of times per week is acceptable.
To make the paste, mix 50% baking soda with 50% water and apply the paste to their paws. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
Mix equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar to get a potent and pet-friendly cleaning solution. You can use this homemade solution when you don't want to use dog shampoo or if you don't have one. Coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, and vitamin E oil are natural products that moisturize the paws after cleaning them.
"Dawn dish soap can be a safe choice to bathe your dog in rare circumstances, but it is not recommended as a regular shampoo." Your dog's skin can be sensitive to allergies, have different coat conditions, and even different pH levels than human skin, so this strong soap can be very irritating to their skin.
Yes, you can bathe your dog too much. If your dog has healthy, normal skin, excessive bathing—more than once per week—can dry out their skin and coat and compromise the skin's moisture barrier. Remove as much dirt as possible with brushing to prolong the time between baths.
Let the baking soda sit for several hours or overnight.
If you can let it sit for 24 hours, that's even better. The longer it sits, the better your results will be. Baking soda naturally neutralizes and absorbs odors rather than covering them up.