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, dirty coat or skin, a collar holding onto dampness, or mild irritation. It’s usually something you can check at home first, but the smell can sometimes be a clue that the skin or ears need a closer look.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the smell is worse after rain, swimming, exercise, grooming, or lying on a damp bed.
2. Look closely at the skin around the neck and behind the ears for redness, flakes, scabs, swelling, or any sticky discharge.
3. Part the coat and check whether the fur feels damp, greasy, matted, or unusually warm in the smelly area.
4. Lift each ear flap and note whether there is a stronger smell, wax build-up, debris, or your dog reacts as if the area is sore.
5. Check the collar, harness, and any tags to see if they are rubbing, trapping moisture, or holding on to dirt.
6. Feel the neck and ear area gently for heat, tenderness, or areas your dog tries to scratch or shake.
7. Think about whether the smell is coming from the skin, the ears, or just wet coat odour after being outside.
Common Causes
The most common reason is moisture trapped in the coat or under the collar, especially if your dog has thick fur or has been wet recently. Mild skin irritation can also cause a musty smell, particularly if the area stays damp or doesn’t dry properly after washing or swimming.
Wax build-up or an ear problem may also make the area smell unpleasant, and dogs with skin sensitivity can sometimes develop odour along with redness or scratching. Less commonly, the smell may be linked to a skin infection or another issue that needs veterinary attention.
What To Do
Start by drying the area thoroughly after any washing, swimming, rain or muddy exercise. Make sure the fur around the neck and behind the ears isn’t staying damp for long, and remove the collar for a short time if it seems to be trapping moisture.
Brush out any tangles or light matting so air can reach the skin. If the skin looks calm, keep an eye on whether the smell improves over a day or two. If your dog has a regular grooming routine, check that the coat is being dried properly all the way through, not just on the surface.
If the smell keeps coming back, make a note of when it happens and whether it’s linked to wet weather, grooming, or scratching. That pattern can be useful if you later need advice from your vet.
Products That May Help
If the smell seems linked to routine grooming, damp coat or general skin and ear care, a practical grooming collection can support your usual home care.
Related Questions
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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.