Best Ear Cleaners for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

By PetEssentialist Editorial · Updated July 2026

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Our top pick is Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser — best for Floppy-eared breeds prone to chronic ear infections. Why it wins: Effective against bacterial and yeast infections.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are known for their distinctive floppy ears, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, leading to chronic ear infections. In fact, studies have shown that dogs with floppy ears are more prone to ear infections due to the warm, moist environment that fosters pathogen growth. Regular ear cleaning is crucial for this breed to prevent painful and costly ear infections. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's ear shape and high energy level make them more susceptible to ear problems, especially after swimming or playing in water. Their intelligent and outgoing nature also means they can be prone to ear scratching and pawing, which can further irritate the ear canal. As a result, it's essential to choose an ear cleaner that is gentle, effective, and specifically designed for floppy-eared breeds like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. A good ear cleaner should disrupt bacterial and yeast biofilms, dry the ear canal, and be non-irritating for routine maintenance use.

What to look for

Ear Shape and Size

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's floppy ears require a cleaner that can effectively reach and clean the ear canal. Look for a cleaner with a long nozzle or a pre-moistened wipe that can easily clean the outer ear and flap.

pH Level and Gentleness

A cleaner with a low pH level is essential for disrupting bacterial and yeast biofilms. Additionally, the cleaner should be gentle and non-irritating to avoid further irritating the ear canal.

Drying Ability

A good ear cleaner should not only clean the ear canal but also dry it to prevent moisture buildup. Look for a cleaner with anti-adhesive properties or a drying agent to help prevent future infections.

Ingredients and Allergens

Some ear cleaners may contain ingredients that can irritate the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's sensitive skin. Look for a cleaner with natural ingredients and avoid any products with harsh chemicals or allergens.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser	Floppy-eared breeds prone to chronic ear infections
2	Zymox Ear Cleanser with Bioxin	Sensitive ears prone to irritation
3	Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy	Ear canals with excessive wax and debris
4	DermaPet MalAcetic Ultra Otic Ear and Skin Cleanser	Multi-purpose cleaning for ears and skin folds
5	Vet Classics Ear Wash for Dogs	Routine ear cleaning and maintenance

Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser

Best for Floppy-eared breeds prone to chronic ear infections

The Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser is a top pick for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers due to its low pH formula and anti-adhesive properties. This cleaner effectively disrupts bacterial and yeast biofilms, preventing future infections. Its non-irritating formula makes it suitable for routine maintenance use.

✓ Effective against bacterial and yeast infections
✓ Gentle and non-irritating
✓ Easy to use with a long nozzle

✕ May not be as effective for severe ear infections

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Zymox Ear Cleanser with Bioxin

Best for Sensitive ears prone to irritation

The Zymox Ear Cleanser with Bioxin is a great option for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers with sensitive ears. Its enzymatic formula and bio-active enzymes work to inhibit bacterial and yeast growth, while its non-stinging formula makes it gentle on the ears.

✓ Gentle and non-irritating
✓ Effective against bacterial and yeast infections
✓ No alcohol or harsh chemicals

✕ May not be as effective for severe ear infections

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Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy

Best for Ear canals with excessive wax and debris

The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy is a good option for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers with ear canals that are prone to wax and debris buildup. Its formula cleans, deodorizes, and dries the ear canal, while its aloe vera ingredient soothes and calms the ears.

✓ Effective at removing wax and debris
✓ Soothes and calms the ears
✓ Antifungal and antibacterial ingredients

✕ May not be as effective for severe ear infections

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DermaPet MalAcetic Ultra Otic Ear and Skin Cleanser

Best for Multi-purpose cleaning for ears and skin folds

The DermaPet MalAcetic Ultra Otic Ear and Skin Cleanser is a versatile option for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers that need a cleaner for both their ears and skin folds. Its acetic acid and boric acid formula effectively acidifies the ear canal and skin folds, preventing pathogen growth.

✓ Multi-purpose cleaning
✓ Effective against bacterial and yeast infections
✓ Acidifies the ear canal and skin folds

✕ May be too harsh for sensitive skin

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Vet Classics Ear Wash for Dogs

Best for Routine ear cleaning and maintenance

The Vet Classics Ear Wash for Dogs is a gentle and effective option for routine ear cleaning and maintenance. Its fragrance-free formula and gentle cleansing agents make it suitable for daily use, while its drying properties help prevent moisture buildup.

✓ Gentle and non-irritating
✓ Effective for routine ear cleaning
✓ Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic

✕ May not be as effective for severe ear infections

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's ears?

It's recommended to clean your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's ears at least once a week, or as needed. However, if your dog is prone to ear infections, your veterinarian may recommend a more frequent cleaning schedule.

What are the signs of an ear infection in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers?

Common signs of an ear infection in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers include excessive scratching or pawing at the ears, redness and swelling, discharge or odor, and lethargy or loss of appetite.

Can I use human ear cleaners on my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

No, it's not recommended to use human ear cleaners on your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Human ear cleaners can be too harsh for your dog's sensitive ears and may cause further irritation or infection.

How can I prevent ear infections in my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

To prevent ear infections in your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, make sure to clean their ears regularly, dry their ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing, and avoid inserting objects into their ears.

What should I do if my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a severe ear infection?

If your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a severe ear infection, it's essential to seek veterinary attention immediately. Your veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help clear up the infection and provide guidance on how to manage your dog's symptoms.

For Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever owners, choosing the right ear cleaner is crucial to preventing chronic ear infections and promoting overall health. By considering the breed's unique needs and selecting a cleaner that is gentle, effective, and specifically designed for floppy-eared breeds, you can help keep your dog's ears clean and healthy. The Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser is a top pick for this breed due to its low pH formula and anti-adhesive properties, making it an excellent choice for routine ear cleaning and maintenance.

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