What should I check if my dog has greasy ears and flaky skin?
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Overview
Greasy ears and flaky skin in dogs often point to a skin or coat issue rather than something you can identify from one look alone. Common causes include seborrhoea, skin irritation, ear wax build-up, allergies, and sometimes an underlying infection or hormone problem.
The good news is that there are a few useful things you can check at home before deciding what to do next.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the skin and ears look greasy, flaky, red, sore, or smelly, and note which areas are affected.
2. Look for scratching, head shaking, rubbing, or discomfort when you touch the ears or coat.
3. Check for discharge, dark wax, crusting, scabs, or hair loss around the ears, face, neck, belly, or tail base.
4. Think about any recent changes in food, treats, bedding, shampoo, grooming routine, or exposure to grass, mud, or dust.
5. Check whether the problem is limited to the ears and skin, or whether your dog also seems unwell, tired, or itchy elsewhere.
6. Notice whether the issue is mild and steady, or whether it’s getting worse over a few days.
7. If your dog has floppy ears, check whether moisture or trapped wax seems to build up after walks, swimming, or bathing.
Common Causes
Seborrhoea is one common reason for greasy skin and flaky coat changes. It can make the skin produce too much oil, too little oil, or both in different areas.
Allergies are also common, especially if your dog is itchy as well as flaky. This can include environmental allergies or food-related sensitivity.
Ear infections or yeast overgrowth can cause greasy ears, odour, dark discharge, and discomfort. These sometimes happen alongside skin changes elsewhere on the body.
Less commonly, hormone-related problems or other underlying skin conditions can contribute to a greasy coat and flaky skin.
What To Do
Keep a simple note of when you first noticed the changes, where they are, and whether anything seems to make them better or worse. A few photos can help show whether things are changing over time.
Use a gentle grooming routine and avoid over-washing, as that can sometimes make the skin more irritated. If your dog’s ears look dirty or waxy, don’t put anything into the ear canal unless you’ve been shown how to do it safely.
Try to keep bedding clean and dry, and make sure your dog is fully dried after bathing, swimming, or wet walks. If the skin is flaky and your dog is also itchy, reducing any obvious triggers in the environment may help support comfort while you monitor things.
If the problem doesn’t improve, keeps coming back, or affects both the ears and the skin, a vet check is sensible so the cause can be properly assessed.
When To Contact A Vet
Speak to your vet if your dog’s ears are painful, very smelly, swollen, or producing discharge, or if the skin is red, raw, crusted, or worsening. You should also contact your vet if the problem keeps returning, your dog seems generally unwell, or the itching is persistent.
Products That May Help
If your dog’s ears and coat need regular washing or gentle grooming, the Pet Care collection may be useful as part of a simple home routine.
Related Questions
Why do my dog’s ears smell greasy?
Can flaky skin in dogs be linked to allergies?
How often should I bathe a dog with a greasy coat?
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.