Do your dog’s paws smell like Fritos? What that means — and what to do about it

Quit hounding ’em!

Animal experts are sharing why dogs shouldn’t be shamed if their paws smell like Fritos corn chips.

“Dogs have normal levels of bacteria and yeast on their feet that leads to the Fritos smell,” Dr. Amy Stone, doctor of veterinary medicine and clinical associate professor at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, told Newsweek this week.

The fur-miliar Fritos scent typically comes from proteus and pseudomonas bacteria and yeast — and it’s nothing to howl about.

“Dog owners should not attempt to get rid of the smell,” Stone advised. “Dogs are not supposed to smell like roses or lavender. They appreciate the aroma of their own skin.”

Other pooch pundits agree.

“Dogs want to smell like dogs,” Dr. Amy Attas, founder of City Pets, a veterinary medical house call practice for Manhattan dogs and cats, emphasizes on the American Kennel Club site. “You don’t want to mask the odor or add something to it.”

Dog owners who find the smell re-pug-nant should keep some distance from their pup’s paws and use unscented wipes and soaps specially formulated for dogs.

If the paws start to smell of wet socks or moldy cheese, Stone recommends going to the veterinarian because those scents can indicate bacteria has developed to a level that needs immediate attention.

Be sure to check the paws frequently.

“Make a habit of doing a foot check at least twice a week,” Stone told Newsweek. “This gives you an idea of what’s normal for your dog, so you’ll notice when symptoms of paw infections show up.”

Symptoms to keep an eye out for include redness, bumps, hair loss, swelling, pain and licking of paws.