What You Need to Know About Sweaty Paws in Dogs
Do dogs sweat through their paws? Here's everything you need to know about your pup's sweaty feet, including the secret behind the Frito smell!
Do Dogs Sweat Through Their Paws?
If your dog has sweaty paws, you may be wondering what triggers this and what you can do about it. Sweaty paws in dogs are not uncommon—but because the signs can be subtle, it takes a trained eye to recognize them.
Generally, you notice sweaty paws in dogs when they leave footprints around and haven't been in contact with water. These footprints are more noticeable on certain surfaces, such as the vet's examination table, on dark tiles, or cement; you'll rarely see them on the carpet, and you may never notice them on grass or gravel. Upon touching your dog's paws, they will feel clammy and cool.
The fact is, dogs don't sweat as we do; in us humans, sweat glands (merocrine glands) are distributed over our bodies so we can cool ourselves down. If our internal temperature rises, our body signals the need to lower it by triggering the glands to release sweat, which evaporates and effectively cools us down.
Dogs Stay Cool By Panting
Dogs have different skin, and most of their sweat glands are found on their paws. This is because, unlike humans, dogs cool themselves mostly through panting. Panting allows moisture to circulate air through their bodies, causing a cooling effect through evaporation. The moist lining of the tongue, mouth, and lungs works as an evaporation surface.
So why are your dog's paws sweating? Most likely, your dog feels hot—but there may be other factors at play.
Your dog may have sweaty paws because of stress.
Sweaty Paws as a Sign of Stress
Have you ever noticed how the palms of your hands get clammy when you are nervous? Well, dogs get sweaty paws for the same reason. From an evolutionary standpoint, you may wonder what function those sweaty feet have.
It is thought that the sweat is meant to provide traction so the dog can effectively run faster over a variety of surfaces. It's a great aid for the dog's fight or flight response, so he can effectively run for his life when he feels frightened.
If you notice your dog has sweaty paws, see if there's a pattern to when it happens. Does it happen on walks? At the vet's office? When you must leave the house? Are the sweaty paws accompanied by other signs of stress?
This will help you determine what circumstances trigger stress in your dog so you can help him. Chances are that you can help your dog by using dog calming aids such as DAP diffusers, Thundershirts or by implementing dog behavior modification with the aid of a professional.
Does your dog have "Frito Feet?"
Why Do My Dog's Feet Smell like Popcorn, Fritos or Cheetos?
If you ever get a whiff of your dog's feet, you may find they smell just like popcorn, Fritos or that bag of Cheetos you bought from the snack aisle. Why is that?
Some believe that that smell is caused by sweat trapped in the hair between the footpads, but vets seem to agree that the odor comes from naturally occurring bacteria and yeast found on the skin. Many owners find that trimming this hair and washing the pads helps reduce the smell—but others like it. Chances are, if you like popcorn or Fritos, you'll also like the smell of your dog's paws!
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2014 Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST
Comments
Sheryl on August 30, 2020:
I have a puppy and he’s sweating a lot through his paws. This is normal I assume as he is stressed because we just brought him home. Just want to make sure he is okay and I want to see what I can do to help him.
Rich on August 20, 2020:
!0 year old shepherd, front LH wrist had surgery, failed, wearing a cast from below elbow to paw. Can it sweat enough to build up moisture?
Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on December 03, 2018:
Yes, indeed, we had a boarder with separation anxiety and he left these humid footprints from his sweaty paws everywhere he walked. As the days went by though, less footprints meant that his separation anxiety was lessening and that was great news.
J on August 26, 2018:
Please fact check your information!
Jenn on August 01, 2018:
You just solved my query. When I go out, my rescue puppers has separation anxiety. When i come back there are wet little footprints on the hardwood. at first i thought he maybe peed and walked into it, but nope. now that i know all his sneaky spots, i was convinced it was sweaty or he was excessively licking them from stress. Thank you for the article and information
Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on August 11, 2014:
It's one of those little known facts, I guess because it's hard to see. I have yet to notice sweaty paws on my dogs but it could be just because they walk on surfaces where you would hardly notice.
Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 11, 2014:
I learned another new aspect of dogs.A well- summed up hub and so interesting about dogs
Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on August 11, 2014:
Well that was interesting. As long as I've had dogs and I did not know this. Thanks for the great information.
James Kenny from East Riding of Yorkshire, England on August 11, 2014:
Great hub. Fortunately my little Jack Russell has never had sweaty paws as far as I know, but I'll definitely keep an eye out for it after this. Thank you.
