As of: February 16, 2024, 7:30 a.m
By: Laura Hindelang
Comments
Press
Split
Have you ever noticed that your dog's paws give off a sweet smell reminiscent of popcorn?
There is a simple explanation for this.
If you have ever smelled your four-legged friend's paws, you may have noticed a sweet smell.
It's a smell that reminds many dog owners of popcorn.
Others associate the scent with cheese chips.
Microorganisms that populate the dog's skin are responsible for this.
The new WhatsApp channel from Landtiere.de is here!
Animal tips and touching news can be found on our WhatsApp channel: Click here to go directly to
Tierverliebt
.
Microorganisms cause popcorn smell on dog paws
The fur on the paws, between the pads and toes, is always warm, dark and a little damp - the ideal habitat for microorganisms.
The tiny creatures include bacteria and fungi, among others.
Both genera can reproduce rapidly under such conditions,
explains
Geo.de.
These are not harmful organisms.
On the contrary: They are even important for the so-called “paw flora”, a protective layer that protects dogs from diseases and infections.
Dogs' paws can give off a strange smell: some four-legged friends' paws smell like popcorn.
(Symbolic image) © Pond5 Images/Imago
Depending on the composition of the organisms, the special smell that emanates from the paws arises.
For example, yeast fungi and bacteria of the genus “Proteus” and “Pseudomonas” feel particularly comfortable in dog fur, informs the
Vet Practice for Small Animals.
These can produce a sweet smell and are therefore responsible for the association with popcorn that some owners have.
There are also sweat glands on the paws.
These serve the dog to leave scent markings for other dogs.
They secrete a special secretion that is broken down by the microorganisms.
This process can further increase the sweet smell.
However, the intensity of the scent varies from dog to dog and is related to other factors such as health and coat condition.
Breed also plays a role: Some dogs are simply more prone to unpleasant smells.
You can find even more exciting animal topics in the free Landtiere.de newsletter, which you can subscribe to right here.
also read
“One of the best recoveries ever” – Pile of misery turns into beautiful dog
READ
Puppy “Piglet”: Pink, deaf, blind – and a role model for children
READ
Which breed of dog lives the oldest?
Twelve breeds accompany you for a particularly long time
READ
Is your dog unhappy at home?
Five signs reveal it
READ
Does the four-legged friend feel comfortable?
Three mistakes to avoid when dealing with dogs
READ
Caring for dog paws properly
If you want to curb the smell of popcorn, you should rinse your four-legged friend's paws with clean water after walking or wipe them with a damp cloth.
If there is a strong smell, the Vet Small Animal Clinic
recommends
a special dog shampoo and care balm for the paws.
Corresponding products are available in the pet trade.
However, you should avoid using deodorant or a scented foot bath.
Proper dog grooming is crucial.
In the long run, it can help to trim the paw spaces regularly.
This means that less moisture and dirt can accumulate, especially with long-haired dog breeds.
If the popcorn note turns into a musty or unpleasant smell, you should care for the paws even more carefully.
Otherwise, unpleasant inflammations will occur that require treatment.
If the paw smell even takes on a foul note, you should go to the vet.
This could indicate a medical problem, such as a skin fungus.