Leopard drops for cats: side effects, composition, price + reviews from veterinarians about drops against fleas and ticks

Russian (AVZ) develops and produces medicines for domestic and farm animals. It produces insectoacaricidal products: sprays, shampoos, collars. An effective drug is “Bars” - drops against fleas and ticks for cats, the instructions for which must be studied before using the medicine. There is a product for treating kittens. It has a softer effect. "Leopard" kills not only adult ectoparasites, but also their larvae. The drug is also used to prevent infection.

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 pharmacological properties

The veterinary drug is available in the form of a solution for external use. The dispenser pipette contains 1 ml of insectoacaricidal agent. The liquid is oily, yellow or light yellow in color.

At the same time, 3 components of the drug are active:

• fipronil - 10 mg/ml;
• dicarboximide (MGK-264) - 1 mg/ml;
• diflubenzuron - 1 mg/ml.

The composition also includes excipients:

• isopropyl alcohol - 50 mg/ml;
• Tween-80 - 30 mg/ml;
• polyvinylpyrrolidone - 30 mg/ml;
• polyethylene glycol 400 - up to 1 ml.

The drops are distributed over the fat layer on top of the skin, accumulate in the sebaceous glands, without entering the systemic bloodstream. This ensures long-term protection against ectoparasites.

Fipronil blocks GABA-dependent receptors of fleas, lice, lice and ticks. The conduction of nerve impulses in their bodies is disrupted. This leads to paralysis and death of ectoparasites. It takes 7-10 hours to completely kill insects.

Thanks to diflubenzuron, the synthesis of chitin in parasitic individuals slows down. The process of molting and egg-laying is disrupted. Hatching of larvae from eggs becomes impossible. Adults do not leave offspring.

Dicarboximide is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of fipronil and diflubenzuron. With minimal doses of active substances, maximum impact on ectoparasites is achieved. At the same time, the harm to cats remains minimal.

The active components of the drug are classified as moderately hazardous substances. If you use the drops correctly, there will be no harm to cats. The main thing is to follow the instructions and monitor your pet for several days after instillation.

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.

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.

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.

Contraindications

• Under no circumstances should drops be used if the cat is pregnant or nursing kittens.
• If the cat has recently suffered from an infectious disease and is currently just recovering, then you should not use Bars Forte, since the cat has not yet fully recovered its strength.
• Do not use drops on a kitten that has not yet reached ten weeks of age.

© shutterstock

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.

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.

How to use drops against ixodid ticks

Unlike other parasites, ixodid ticks are more likely to attach to dogs. However, cats are also at risk. The parasite gets onto the animal's fur and skin from grass or ground, sometimes from a tree or low bush.

Ixodid ticks are active from March to October. At this time, the ground is not covered with snow and has an acceptable temperature for the parasite. If the winter is warm, then this type of arachnid is active all year round.

To protect cats from ixodid ticks, insectoacaricidal treatment must be carried out every month. This applies to animals that go outside for walks. At home, infection with ixodid ticks is unlikely.

If prevention was not carried out on time, ticks can be found on the pet’s body. In this case, the use of Bars drops has its own peculiarities. It is necessary to carefully move the fur apart. A few drops of the medicine should be applied directly to the tick.

After half an hour, the parasite should die and fall off on its own. If this does not happen, you need to take special tweezers and unscrew the tick counterclockwise. It is important that the parasite comes out with the head. Otherwise, inflammation may occur.

After the tick has fallen off or been twisted out with tweezers, you need to contact a veterinarian. The cat could become infected with diseases carried by this parasitic arachnid species.

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.

Release form of drugs Bars

To eliminate fleas and ticks, you can use one of the products presented in the line. For the convenience of cat owners, the manufacturer produces medication in the form of shampoo , spray , drops and collar .

All products contain Fipronil, which has a negative effect on the body of parasites, poisoning them and causing paralysis. Since the nerve endings can no longer receive the signal, not only motor function is blocked, but also life-supporting function.

Important!!! According to consumers, of all products, Bars drops deserve the most attention. They are the most effective and at the same time easy to use.

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.

Features of using Bars drops for kittens and puppies

For the youngest pets, the Bars line of drops includes the release of anti-tick and flea products under the Bars Forte brand. The line differs from the usual product not only in composition, but also in the reduced concentration of the active substance fipronil. The composition of Bars Forte is supplemented with an insect growth regulator, which makes it possible to more effectively combat ectoparasites.

Features of treating puppies and kittens with Bars Forte drops include:

1. Strict consideration of age. Before reaching 10 weeks of age, kittens and puppies cannot be treated with Bars or Bars Forte drops.

   
   To safely treat kittens and puppies with Bars drops, you need to wait until they are at least 10 weeks old and use only the Bars Forte variety.

2. Particular care in dosage and strict adherence to instructions: for a puppy or kitten weighing up to 1 kg you will need only 0.18 ml of the product (about 4 drops).
3. The ability to bathe your little fluffy as many times as needed: shampoo and water do not reduce the effectiveness of Bars Forte drops.

   
   The composition of Bars Forte drops allows your pet to perform water procedures without restrictions.

Otherwise, the methods for treating a puppy or kitten with Bars Forte drops against external parasites do not differ from treating an adult pet with Bars or Bars Forte drops.

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.

Drops on the withers against parasites: pros and cons

Remedies for parasites are available in different forms - there are shampoos, collars, sprays. Drops are considered the most potent and convenient. Their advantages:

• the product is easy to apply, no preliminary preparation of the drug is required - you just need to open the ampoule and squeeze a couple of drops onto the animal’s withers;
• the drop form of the drug is cheaper than antiparasitic shampoos, sprays and other forms;
• the drops act almost instantly, so no course application is required - one application is enough to remove parasites;
• animals easily tolerate treatment with drops - this procedure does not cause stress or aggression in them;
• drops destroy parasites, while from collars and sprays fleas and ticks can only leave the “host” for a while, but then return to it again.

But drops also have their drawbacks. The main disadvantage of the toxicity of the product is that the cat can bend over and lick drops from the skin and fur, which will cause vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms of intoxication.

Video: how to apply flea drops

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.

Instructions for use

Drops "Bars" against ticks and lice are intended for one-time use. Having calculated the dose, it is necessary to treat the pet; the medication should be applied under the collar on the withers and between the shoulder blades so that it does not lick the substance. The drops begin to act instantly, and within a few hours the cat or dog will stop itching. The manufacturer of the veterinary drug, NVC Agrovetzashchita LLC, notes that before and after the procedure the animal cannot be bathed for 3 days. After this, re-application is carried out after more than 30 days.

To treat the ears, they should be cleaned; treatment is necessary for both, even if one is healthy. The required amount is poured into each and massaged. The procedure is repeated after 5 days. For manipulation it is necessary to use special ear drops “Bars”. If a tick is present, it will fall off within 30 minutes. after applying the medication, if this does not happen, then “Bars” will greatly facilitate its removal. Instructions for use recommend the use of "Bars" for kittens from 8 months.

If it comes into contact with mucous membranes, the product may cause increased salivation, vomiting and diarrhea. When treating an animal, it is necessary to disinfect its collar, toys, etc.

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.

When should it be used?

Before starting treatment, you should consult your veterinarian. He will help you calculate the correct dose and will be able to accurately determine which parasite is bothering your pet. Insectoacaricidal drops "Bars" are used to treat cats and dogs if they have parasites and ailments such as:

The drug can be used to treat odecosis in pets.

• otodectosis;
• lice;
• fleas;
• lice eaters;
• sarcoptic mange;
• iscod tick;
• notoedrosis;
• cheyletiellosis.

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.

Side effects and contraindications

Using the drug according to the instructions does not imply complications or side effects. Should not be processed:

• exhausted, sick animals in the stage of acute infections,
• young animals under 2 months old,
• animals during pregnancy and lactation;
• for damage to the skin.

After treatment, do not bathe for 3 days. In case of overdose or individual intolerance to one of the components, thoroughly wash the application areas and give an antihistamine.

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.

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.