Why is my dog’s skin crusty and greasy around the ears? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
Crusty, greasy skin around your dog’s ears is often seen with seborrhoea, but it can also happen with allergies, skin infections, parasites or irritation from scratching and rubbing. It’s usually a sign that the skin needs a closer look, rather than something you can safely ignore.
If the skin is just a bit flaky or oily, there are a few simple things you can check at home first. If it’s sore, smelly, red, or your dog is very itchy, a vet check is sensible.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the skin is greasy, flaky, crusted, red or damp, and note if both ears are affected or just one.
2. Look for scratching, head shaking, rubbing on carpets or furniture, or signs your dog is bothering the area more than usual.
3. Smell the area gently. A strong or unusual odour can suggest there’s more going on than simple dryness.
4. Check the ear flap and the skin just around it for discharge, swelling, heat, broken skin or scabs.
5. Think about any recent changes in food, treats, shampoo, bedding, grooming routine or exposure to grass and muddy areas.
6. See whether the problem is staying the same, improving slowly, or getting worse over a few days.
7. If your dog has a history of skin allergies, ear infections or ongoing itching, make a note of that pattern.
Common Causes
Seborrhoea is a common reason for greasy, flaky skin. It can make the coat and skin feel oily, crusty or scaly, including around the ears.
Allergies are another common cause. Dogs with food or environmental sensitivities often get itchy, inflamed skin and may scratch the ears until the skin becomes crusty.
Ear infections can also lead to changes around the ears, especially if your dog is shaking their head or rubbing the area. The skin nearby can become sore and greasy.
Parasites, including mites, may cause irritation, scratching and crusting. Less commonly, hormonal problems or other skin conditions can affect the skin’s oil production and coat quality.
What To Do
Keep the area clean and dry, but avoid over-washing or using human products unless your vet has told you to. Too much washing can sometimes make skin irritation worse.
Monitor the area for a few days and note any changes in smell, redness, crusting or itchiness. Photos can help you see whether it’s settling or spreading.
Try to reduce rubbing and scratching where you can, and keep up a calm, regular grooming routine. If your dog tolerates it, gentle brushing can help remove loose flakes and debris.
If the skin seems to flare after certain foods, shampoos, bedding or outdoor activities, keep a note of the pattern so you can discuss it with your vet if needed.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the area is painful, very smelly, swollen, bleeding, or if your dog is scratching or shaking their head a lot. You should also book an appointment if the crusting keeps coming back, is spreading, or isn’t improving after a few days of sensible home monitoring.
A vet can check for infection, mites, allergies or other skin problems and suggest the right next step.
Products That May Help
If your dog’s ears and surrounding skin are getting greasy or flaky, gentle grooming and routine washing can be useful as part of everyday care. The right pet care collection may help support a sensible cleaning routine at home.
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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.