How should I clean my dog’s skin folds if they smell? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog’s skin folds smell, the first step is usually a gentle clean and a careful dry, because odour often comes from trapped moisture, dirt or a bit of irritation in the fold. Skin folds can be more prone to this in dogs with loose skin or deeper folds, and there may be several possible causes rather than one simple reason.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the smell is coming from one fold or several, and whether it’s stronger after exercise, eating, drinking or going outside.
2. Look closely for redness, dampness, discharge, scabs, broken skin or a shiny sore-looking area inside the fold.
3. Feel gently for heat, swelling or tenderness, and notice if your dog pulls away when you touch the area.
4. Check whether the skin is simply dirty, or whether there’s a greasy film, crusting or sticky build-up.
5. Notice if your dog is scratching, rubbing, licking or shaking more than usual.
6. Think about whether the folds stay damp after bathing, walks in wet weather, swimming or drinking.
7. Check for any changes in your dog’s general comfort, appetite or behaviour, especially if the smell is new or getting worse.
Common Causes
The most common cause is trapped moisture, skin oils and debris inside the fold, which can create odour even before anything more obvious shows up. Mild irritation can also happen if the skin rubs on itself, if the fold stays damp, or if there’s not enough airflow.
Sometimes the smell is linked to a yeast or bacterial overgrowth, especially if the skin looks sore, greasy or red. Less commonly, the odour can be part of an underlying skin condition, allergy or another issue that needs vet assessment to sort out properly.
What To Do
Clean the fold gently with a soft, damp cloth or a vet-approved skin wipe if you have one, then dry the area thoroughly afterwards. The aim is to remove surface dirt without rubbing hard or leaving the skin wet.
Keep the folds as dry as you reasonably can after walks, bathing or swimming, and check them regularly so you can spot changes early. If the area is only mildly smelly but looks otherwise healthy, a simple routine of gentle cleaning and drying may be enough to keep it comfortable.
Avoid using harsh soaps, scented products or anything that stings, because these can make the skin more irritated. If the smell keeps coming back, or the skin looks sore, it’s best to get veterinary advice rather than trying to manage it indefinitely at home.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the fold is red, painful, swollen, oozing, cracked or becoming more smelly despite gentle cleaning. You should also ask for advice if your dog seems unwell, is scratching or licking a lot, or if the problem keeps returning.
Products That May Help
If your dog needs regular washing or gentle grooming support around skin folds, this collection may be useful as part of a simple hygiene routine.
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.