Dog ownership has taught me many lessons, most of them profound. But not all of them.
Soon after we brought Bailey home, I started to notice a distinct popcorn aroma. Since this aroma wasn’t unpleasant, and far preferable to certain other dog-related odors, we just accepted it. Today, however, my wife stumbled across the answer:
“Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not sweat by salivating or drooling. They sweat through the pads of their feet. If you notice a curious popcorn smell coming from your dog’s pads, that’s just canine sweat.”
So dog feet smell like popcorn. Another lesson learned. I don’t know about you, but I don’t see a lot of popcorn in my dietary future.
By the way, I spent way too much time deciding which picture to use (this, this, and this were the runners-up).
Comments (7)
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As a FYI, Dogs can eat a moderate amount of dry, unbuttered popcorn.
posted by Robert on 9-27-2006 at 10:34 am
Jason — I love your dog. I mean baby.
So, just how many toys CAN s/he carry at one time? Can we try for four?
posted by andi on 9-27-2006 at 11:50 am
She struggles with the fourth (usually a tennis ball). This trick is cute, but is also used for evil. For example, she can carry around two socks, a shoe (by the lace), and a TiVo-remote.
posted by Jason on 9-27-2006 at 12:42 pm
I just want to say thank you for this answer. My sister and I have forever thought that the feet of our dogs Mogul and Bailey (yes, we have a Bailey, too!) smell like popcorn. We always thought it was the strangest thing and people always thought we were the strangest when we said so.
So thanks!
posted by robyn on 9-27-2006 at 4:40 pm
FYI,
Cat feet smell that way too.
posted by Gail on 9-29-2006 at 10:25 am
It’s probably a byproduct of the high corn meal content in their food.
posted by Bob on 12-9-2006 at 4:44 pm
omg,my pitbull’s feet smell like popcorn 2!!
posted by samsclub on 9-8-2007 at 8:57 pm