What should I check if my dog smells musty around the ears or neck? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog smells musty around the ears or neck, the most common causes are trapped moisture, wax, dirt, skin oils or a mild skin or ear irritation. It’s often something you can check for at home, but the smell can also be a sign that the skin or ears need a closer look.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the smell is stronger after swimming, rain, bathing or a walk in wet weather.
2. Look closely around the ears, neck and under the collar for dampness, matting, redness or flaky skin.
3. Lift the ears and check for wax build-up, discharge, an unusual colour or a stronger smell from inside the ear.
4. Feel the skin gently for heat, tenderness, swelling or any sore-looking areas.
5. Check whether the collar is staying damp, rubbing the skin or trapping dirt and odour.
6. Part the coat around the neck and behind the ears to see if the smell is coming from the skin rather than the fur.
7. Notice whether your dog is scratching, shaking their head or rubbing their face more than usual.
Common Causes
Moisture trapped in the coat or around the ears is one of the most common reasons for a musty smell, especially after wet walks or bathing.
Wax build-up, dirty fur and natural skin oils can also create an odour, particularly in dogs with thicker coats or floppy ears.
A mild skin irritation, yeast overgrowth or an ear problem can sometimes cause a stronger smell as well, especially if there’s redness, itching or discharge.
A dirty or damp collar can be part of the problem too, particularly if the smell is strongest around the neck.
What To Do
Dry your dog carefully after rain, washing or swimming, paying attention to the ears and neck folds if they have them.
Check the collar regularly and remove it when your dog is at home if it seems to be holding moisture or causing rubbing.
Gently brush and part the coat around the neck and behind the ears so you can spot dampness, tangles or skin changes early.
Keep an eye on whether the smell comes and goes or stays the same, and note any scratching, shaking or redness.
If the odour is mild and your dog seems comfortable, a simple grooming routine and better drying after wet weather may be enough to help.
When To Contact A Vet
Speak to your vet if the smell keeps coming back, gets stronger, or is happening with redness, discharge, head shaking, scratching, pain or swelling. These signs can suggest an ear or skin issue that needs proper treatment.
Products That May Help
If the smell seems linked to grooming, coat build-up or regular ear and skin care, this collection may help support a sensible cleaning routine at home.
Related Questions
Why does my dog smell musty after a walk in the rain?
Should I clean my dog’s ears if they smell?
Why does my dog smell worse around the neck than the rest of the 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.