Popcorn Paws or Cheesy Feet?

Dogs regulate their body temperature primarily through panting. However, they are not completely unable to sweat: they have sweat glands in their paw pads. This means that after exercise, in warm weather, during stress or excitement, they can actually leave slightly damp paw prints.

For cooling the entire body, however, this sweating plays only a minor role. The main mechanism for releasing heat remains panting.

The typical smell of a dog’s paws is also not caused by sweat alone. The areas between the toes and around the paw pads are often warm and slightly moist. Natural microorganisms live on the skin there. The combination of moisture, skin oils and these microorganisms can create the characteristic smell that many people describe as popcorn-like or cheesy.

A mild natural odour is generally nothing to worry about.

When should you take a closer look?

You should pay closer attention if the smell suddenly changes significantly or becomes very strong. Redness, swelling, weeping areas, pain, or frequent licking and chewing of the paws can also indicate that the skin is irritated or inflamed.

In these cases, the paws should be examined by a veterinary practice.

Especially in warm weather, it is also important to remember that dogs cannot cool themselves down through widespread sweating in the same way humans can. This means that overheating can become a problem more quickly.

Access to water, shade and appropriately adjusted exercise are therefore particularly important.