Fleas and ticks can cause serious discomfort to pets, disturb their peace, cause the development of diseases, the appearance of worms, and the development of allergic reactions. Even cats and dogs that do not have contact with other animals or rarely go for walks can become infected with parasites. Ticks are considered seasonal insects and are most active in the spring and summer, while fleas can attack animals at any time of the year. Blood-sucking insects, their eggs or larvae can get on the pet’s fur on the street or at home if the owner brings them on shoes or clothes. Fortunately, today there are many effective means of protection against external parasites for cats and dogs, and one of the most popular Russian brands is Bars. Let's take a closer look at the products of this brand.
Brief description of the drug
Leopard is used to exterminate fleas or ticks on animals. Refers to combined insectoacaricidal agents. It is produced in Russia and comes in various modifications (collars, tablets, shampoos, drops). The most popular are Bars drops for fleas. They are produced in the form of disposable plastic ampoules with different dosages, which depend on the age and type of animal.
Composition and purpose of Bars drops
Bars is able to output:
- fleas;
- skin helminths;
- demadecosis parasites;
- ticks;
- lice;
- lice eaters.
At the same time, the drug kills both adult insects and larvae.
Bars drops contain:
- fipronil (main active ingredient);
- dicarboximide;
- diflubenzuron;
- Excipients.
The leopard has an immediate effect on the parasite, paralyzing its nervous system, which leads to instant death. Additional substances increase the toxicity of the product and also disrupt the vital processes of parasites. The drops have a repellent effect, which allows them to be used for preventive purposes.
Active substance
The main active ingredient in Bars is the insecticide fipronil. The substance is widely used to destroy not only parasites on animals, but also household or garden pests. Long-term human use of fipronil as an insecticide proves that the product is truly effective. It is not susceptible to external factors and is resistant to washing off with water.
Fipronil does not enter the pet's blood, but accumulates in the secretion glands and hair follicles, due to which the effect of the drug lasts for a long time.
Advantages of the drug
Leopard has proven itself to be an effective remedy in the fight against parasites living on pets. The positive properties of Leopard also include:
- minimal toxicity of the substance towards animals;
- the possibility of the drug affecting not only fleas, but also other pests;
- high efficiency achieved thanks to the complex composition of the product;
- a wide range of release forms suitable for animals of various breeds and ages;
- ease of use;
- long-term effect (1–2 months).
Composition and action
The drug contains components that have acaricidal, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects:
- diazinon;
- prednisolone.
Diazinon is a contact and intestinal insecticide, an organophosphate compound that is active against ticks and other insects that parasitize domestic animals. Prednisolone is a steroid substance with anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties.
A specific microscopic parasite moves through the animal’s body and penetrates the ear canal. The parasite feeds on the ear epithelium, tissue fluid and lymph. Animals that are primarily at risk are those that do not sit at home all the time and are on their own. Bars drops have a strong acaricidal effect, reduce itching and skin inflammation.
Bars drop shapes
Please note that drops intended for dogs cannot be used on cats and vice versa. The composition of the drops remains identical, but the content of its constituent substances changes. As a result, the substance may simply not work or cause harm to the animal.
On sale you can find Bars drops in various release forms. This variety includes:
- Leopard for dogs. For adults of various breeds.
- Bars forte for dogs. A product with a reinforced formula additionally containing methoprene.
- Leopard for puppies. Used from eight weeks of age.
- Leopard for cats and cats.
- Bars forte for adult cats. Contains an additional component – methoprene.
- Leopard for kittens. Designed for kittens over eight weeks of age.
- Leopard for ear scabies.
It is worth noting that the drug is presented in different dosages, depending on the age and type of animal. The range includes products for dogs with dosages - 1.4 ml, 2.8 ml, 4.2 ml, 5 ml, and for cats - 0.3 ml, 0.6 ml and 1 ml.
Contraindications
Any ear drops cannot be used in two cases:
- For sensitivity, intolerance to components, allergies.
- If you suspect a ruptured eardrum.
Anti-tick Leopard cannot be instilled:
- kittens, puppies younger than 4 weeks;
- pregnant females;
- during the feeding period only with the permission of a veterinarian.
There are no contraindications for ear leopard forte based on age or physiological condition. The drug can be included in complex therapy, combined with other medications except solutions for auricular administration.
Anti-tick Bars cannot be used simultaneously with other acaricidal agents to avoid overdose.
Contraindications to the use of Bars drops
Despite the fact that the product is not toxic to animals, it is prohibited to use:
- pregnant or lactating cats and dogs;
- puppies and kittens under eight months of age;
- convalescent pets;
- animals infected with various infectious diseases;
- dwarf breeds whose weight does not exceed 2 kg;
- in combination with other drugs.
Please note that rabbits, turtles and fish should not be allowed to come into contact with the drug. Contact of fipronil on their skin and organ systems causes instant death.
Why are fleas and ticks dangerous?
Fleas can be seen by spreading your pet's fur with your fingers.
Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood and scales of an animal's skin. These small creatures (about 1 mm) move by jumping along the fur, lay eggs on their host, from which larvae emerge, which soon transform into adults. Insects are extremely resistant to adverse environmental factors - they survive in heat and cold, and can go without food for a long time. When fighting parasites, you will have to treat not only the animal itself, but also thoroughly clean its bedding, personal belongings, and vacuum the floors, carpets, and walls in the room. Flea bites cause itching and irritation; insect saliva often provokes allergic reactions in cats and dogs. There is also a risk of contracting typhoid, plague, salmonellosis, and hepatitis. Fleas are especially dangerous for young animals - puppies and kittens can suffer from anemia, be weakened, and have trouble gaining weight. Fleas often cause pets to become infected with internal parasites - helminths, whose eggs they feed in the external environment.
Ticks are no less dangerous to pets than fleas. A cat or dog can pick up an insect while walking on the grass or lawn, in the country or in nature. The parasite digs into the skin and sucks the pet’s blood, secretes saliva, through which it can infect the pet with dangerous diseases: borreliosis, anaplasmosis, encephalitis and others. Dogs can also get piroplasmosis, which can be fatal.
How to use Bars for fleas
The treatment and prevention scheme is very simple. The main thing is to correctly calculate the dosage of the substance and perform a couple of simple steps.
Calculation of drop dosage
First of all, calculate how much product you will need to treat your animal. To do this, you need to weigh your pet in advance, and then, based on the results obtained, calculate how much substance is needed for treatment.
The table will help you understand this issue.
| Pet weight | Cats | Dogs |
| Up to 1 kg | 0.3 ml | – |
| From 1 to 3 kg | 0.6 ml | – |
| More than 3 kg | 1 ml | – |
| From 2 to 10 kg | – | 1.4 ml |
| From 10 to 20 kg | – | 2.8 ml |
| From 20 to 30 kg | – | 4.2 ml |
| More than 30 kg | – | 5 ml. |
If the pet's weight exceeds the specified corresponding weight, use the formula for calculation: 0.1 ml of substance per 1 kg of animal weight.
Removal of parasites
Start exterminating parasites with thorough preparation. To do this, do not bathe the animal at least 3 days before the procedure.
The principle of distribution of the product is based on applying drops to parts of the body that the animal cannot reach to lick the drug. These places include the withers and the upper part of the spine. Also note that the skin at the application sites must be dry, clean and free of abrasions or scratches.
Procedure:
- Spread the fur on the withers and upper back along the spine.
- Squeeze the required amount of Bars onto the skin.
- Do not bathe your pet for 3-4 days after the procedure.
- Do not let your dog or cat out for a walk for the next 4-6 hours if it is snowing or raining outside.
- Do not use shampoo for bathing for approximately 3-4 weeks after treatment.
Before the procedure, read the instructions in the package, and be sure to follow safety precautions during processing.
For preventive purposes, carry out treatment approximately once every 1–2 months.
Treatment of ear scabies
When an animal is infected with ear mites, the disease otodectosis develops. To combat the disease, special drops Bars have been released for ear scabies.
To treat otodectosis, follow these steps:
- Apply Bars drops to the withers in a dosage calculated according to the pet’s weight.
- Clean the ears of your cat or dog from dirt, earwax and purulent discharge.
- Place 3-4 drops in each ear, even if only one is infected.
- Press the upper part of the ear against the ear canal with your hand and massage to distribute the drug evenly.
If you want to use drops only for preventive purposes, they do not need to be dripped into your ears. It is enough just to apply the required amount of product to the withers.
If the disease is advanced and severe, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Rules for use against ixodid ticks
As a rule, when your pet regularly visits the street, the likelihood of it becoming infected with ixodid ticks increases. Start preventive treatment from the period of first tick activity, namely from mid-March. Repeat the procedure once a month, until cold weather, approximately until mid-October. The application scheme and calculation of the dosage of drops are the same as for flea treatment.
If your pet does catch a tick, don’t panic; Bars drops will help you easily remove the parasite.
Procedure:
- Open up the affected area of skin by spreading the fur.
- Apply 1 drop of Bars directly to the parasite and wait about half an hour.
- After 20–30 minutes, the tick will die and fall off.
In rare cases, the tick does not fall off on its own. To remove it, arm yourself with tweezers and put gloves on your hands. Grab the body and very carefully, so as not to tear the body away from the head, remove the parasite using a counterclockwise twisting motion.
In difficult cases, when the body does separate, but the head remains in the pet’s skin, contact a veterinarian to rule out tissue inflammation.
Prevention for kittens and puppies
The smallest pets can also be treated with Bars drops. To do this, buy a special drug for puppies or kittens at a pet store or veterinary pharmacy. Despite the fact that the product is produced for small animals, when processing, keep in mind that:
- For puppies and kittens under 8 weeks of age, the product is prohibited;
- the dosage is calculated only in strict accordance with the instructions; if a small pet weighs less than 1 kg, it is allowed to use no more than 0.18 ml of the substance (about 4 drops);
- It is not prohibited to bathe animals even with shampoo.
The procedure for using drops on puppies and kittens is no different from treating adult pets.
Treatment of pregnant cats and kittens
Bars flea drops are not recommended for use on pregnant or lactating cats or dogs, or on the skin of kittens under 8 weeks of age. However, if the situation is critical and fleas or ticks need to be treated immediately, contact your veterinarian. The doctor will conduct an examination and recommend treatment. Treat animals with extreme caution and ensure that the substance does not enter the digestive or circulatory system.
Purpose and medicinal properties
Bars ear solution without the “forte” label is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of otodectosis in dogs and cats.
The disease is caused by mites Otodectes cynotis, another name for the disease is ear scabies. For a quick recovery, you need to remove the parasites and alleviate unpleasant symptoms - itching, irritation, pain in the external auditory canal, auricle.
The active components of the drops work in these two directions:
- Diazinon acts as a neurotoxin on mature ticks and larvae. Penetrating into the body of arthropods by contact or intestinal means, it disrupts the functions of the nervous system of parasites, causing paralysis of organs and death. Diazinon has no effect on arthropod eggs.
- Prednisolone is a substance from the group of glucocorticosteroids that blocks the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. Under the influence of prednisolone, itching is reduced, irritation, redness, and swelling of the tissues of the affected ear are relieved.
Bars Forte drops are prescribed for the treatment of ear inflammation - otitis media - caused by bacteria and fungi. The drug copes with acute and chronic forms of the disease.
The active ingredients complement each other:
- Miconazole is a fungicidal component. It inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, a vital element of fungal cells. Without ergosterol, the fungus cannot grow and quickly dies. Causative agents of dermatomycosis, pathogenic and opportunistic yeast-like and mold fungi are sensitive to miconazole. In addition, miconazole stops the spread of a number of gram-positive bacteria that are released during otitis media.
- Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It disrupts the growth and division of pathogenic bacteria, causes morphological changes and rapid death of bacterial cells.
Combining Bars with other means
Please note that combining drops with other drugs is strictly prohibited. Such prohibitions were invented for a reason. The fact is that even drugs that differ in their principle of action can have identical compositions. As a result, in case of an overdose of the active substance, in this case fipronil, intoxication of the body is possible.
Alternatively, when drugs contain different substances in their composition, mixing of the main components is possible. Such reactions can cause weakening of the body, seizures or allergic reactions.
Side effects from the action of Bars
Despite the fact that the drug does not harm pets, in some cases side effects may occur, namely:
- general weakness of the body;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- hanging salivation;
- lacrimation;
- loss of appetite;
- shiver;
- skin reactions.
Monitor your pet carefully when the first symptoms appear. In most cases, side effects go away on their own, the main thing is to offer your dog or cat more to drink. If your pet's condition worsens and vomiting or seizures occur, visit your veterinarian immediately. Such symptoms indicate an overdose and a severe allergic reaction.
Are there analogues of Bars for fleas?
If the pet store does not have Bars drops in its assortment, and you need the drug urgently, you can choose similar drugs that differ from Bars in cost, composition and principle of action. These include drops:
- Frontline;
- Practitioner;
- Dana;
- Rolf Club;
- Mr. Bruno;
- Advantix;
- Celandine.
Before purchasing an analogue, read the instructions for use, paying attention to contraindications and side effects.
Popularity in comparison with analogues
Bars drops are bought by every second cat or dog owner, despite the fact that various manufacturers of veterinary drugs offer a huge selection of products.
Advantages of Bars:
- Reasonable price and availability. You will spend no more than 250 rubles on a package of Bars for fleas, and you can buy it at any pet store, veterinary pharmacy or in the pet department.
- Wide spectrum of action. Leopard is capable of destroying parasites at any stage of development.
- Ease of use. There is no need to carry out complex calculations for the dosage of the drug or prepare a special composition in advance.
- The substance lasts for 6–8 weeks.
- The risk of infecting your pet is minimal due to the specific application.
Disadvantages of the drug:
- There are no guarantees of complete safety of the product in relation to animals. If the pet does reach the substance and it enters the digestive system, intoxication of the body and other side effects are possible.
- Individual characteristics of the animal. If the body is intolerant to any components of the substance, allergic reactions are possible.
It is worth noting that Bars drops are practically no different from analogues with a similar composition and principle of action. Other drugs containing substances also cannot guarantee the complete absence of the risk of side effects. Bars, in turn, has established itself as an accessible and inexpensive, truly effective remedy.
Advantages and disadvantages
Medicine cannot be completely harmless. It has both pros and cons. It must be used if the animal has ectoparasites or is likely to become infected with them. The insectoacaricidal agent is well tolerated by dogs and cats if used correctly.
The following advantages of drops for cats “Bars” are highlighted:
- high efficiency;
- ease of application;
- low level of toxicity;
- innovative formula with a wide spectrum of action;
- the ability to dose the medicine depending on the weight of the animal;
- low concentration of active components;
- synergy of active ingredients (strengthening each other);
- prolonged action (protection up to 2.5 months).
The disadvantages of the drug are:
- risk of overdose;
- presence of contraindications;
- unpleasant odor;
- the need for re-treatment in case of severe infection;
- the likelihood of animals licking drops.
Poisoning of cats with an insectoacaricidal agent is possible. This happens with individual intolerance to the components or overdose. Therefore, before treating your pet, you must take into account all the pros and cons of the medicine.
Other drugs Bars
In addition to Bars drops for fleas, you will find other drugs on sale. Their variety and principle of operation can be found in the table.
| Means | Method of influence |
| Collar | Presented in the form of a rubber collar impregnated with a special substance. The action is more aimed at repelling rather than destroying parasites, since there is no direct contact with the skin. Excellent for consolidating the result and further prevention after using drops or spray. |
| Shampoos | Suitable for quickly killing parasites. The composition contains only natural ingredients, so the product can be used for animals of different ages. Due to the absence of a toxic insecticide, it has a short-term effect. |
| Spray | Made for complete treatment of the animal's skin and fur in all areas of the body, as well as for disinfecting the pet's sleeping area or bedding. |
Precautions for humans
Be sure to read the instructions before using the drops. When processing, follow these simple precautions:
- carry out processing with rubber gloves;
- do not come into contact with food during the procedure;
- After all manipulations, wash your hands with soap;
- do not allow children to come into contact with the treated animal in the first two days;
- Dispose of used capsules correctly;
- If the product gets on your skin, rinse with warm water;
- If the substance is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
Treatment with drops for ear scabies
The drug is used to treat otodectosis. However, it should only be used with the permission of a veterinarian.
To rid a cat of ear mites, the product is applied to the skin in the withers area and directly into the ears. Even if one ear is affected, both should be instilled.
Before treatment with drops, the ears are cleaned of wax and waste products of microscopic mites, which look like black dirt. For this, special sprays are used, for example Auricap. Cleaning must be deep, so it is advisable to use cotton swabs or medical clips with cotton wool wrapped around them.
3-4 drops of Barca are instilled into clean ears. Then the ears must be thoroughly massaged. This will help the medicine distribute faster and prevent it from splashing across the surface of the coat.
Otodectosis can be complicated by inflammation. In this case, you will need antibiotics, immunomodulating agents, etc. Therefore, you should not treat the animal yourself. It's better to see a doctor.
Precautions for pets
Following safety precautions for humans alone is not enough. Please note that simple precautions should also be followed in relation to your pet:
- apply only a preparation suitable for the type and age of the animal;
- If your pet has an allergic reaction, immediately wash off the drops with water and visit a veterinarian;
- do not combine drops with other drugs.
With the right approach to processing, the procedure will take place without harmful consequences.
Reviews from owners and veterinarians
Most cat and dog owners note the high effectiveness of the product. According to some dog breeders, Bars drops begin to act on the second day and remain effective for 60 days. The majority of RuNet users note the ease of use of the tool. Some owners claim that the substance caused side effects in their pets, namely weakness and lethargy, and lack of appetite. As a rule, symptoms disappeared in the first few days after treatment and were caused by intoxication of the body due to an overdose or the substance entering the digestive tract.
Terms of use
The drug is applied pointwise to healthy areas of the animal’s epidermis, to the interscapular area, the back line and the neck area on the back side of the animal’s body. Kittens that have reached 2 months can already use this protection, as well as get rid of already acquired parasites and ear mites.
For a one-time treatment of small animals that weigh less than 1 kg, 10 drops from 1 pipette (1 ml volume) are sufficient; 2–3 kg – 20 drops from the same pipette.
To treat a 3–5 kg cat for parasites, you will need to use up the entire contents of 1 pipette (1 ml). It is better to discuss additional amounts of the drug for heavier animals in advance with your veterinarian.
3 days before treatment of the animal (before using the product) and for 3 days after treatment, the cat is not bathed. Do not drip the medicine onto your pet's wet skin. Before using the drug, you should make sure that the epidermis is in a suitable condition; to do this, you need to part the animal’s fur in the areas of intended treatment. Flea drops protect your pet for about 50–60 days.
Repeated treatments with drops or spray are performed only in consultation with a medical specialist.
The drug has proven itself as a cure for ear mites. You can use either drops or a spray. But before treating otodectosis in a cat, the animal’s ears must be cleaned. Only after this can drops be instilled into them (5-6 in each).
When using the spray, you need to make sure that the product does not get into your pet’s eyes. After administering the drug, the cat's ear needs to be massaged. This will distribute the medicine more evenly.
Important! If a pet develops advanced otodectosis, the doctor prescribes antibiotics to the animal, and the time for repeated use of the drug Bars determines taking into account the age and health status of the cat.
Storage and disposal
When purchasing a drug, pay attention to its production date. If more than 24 months have passed since manufacture, do not buy the product. The active ingredients of the drug will no longer work.
If you buy drops for the future, study the rules for storing them. Keep the product in a dark and dry place at room temperature and do not allow it to cool below 0 degrees. Make sure that the drug does not fall into the hands of children.
After using Bars, do not store the empty pipette or use it for other purposes, but throw it away immediately.
Bars anti-flea drops have proven to be an effective, inexpensive remedy in the fight against skin parasites in pets. The method of applying the drug is simple and straightforward; the main thing is to choose the right product in the store in accordance with the type and age of the animal, and accurately calculate the dosage depending on its weight.
Advice from experienced dog breeders
Dog owners who have been using Bars flea drops for dogs for a long time give only the most positive reviews about the drug.
In addition, they want to advise beginners to be sure to write down the processing date in a notepad. This is necessary in order not to miss the time of the next Bars treatment. Days when your pet's skin is left unprotected can become dangerous to its health.
Dog breeders also advise using not only drops, but also Bars collars during periods of particularly high parasite activity. Double protection will not hurt your pet.
