With the arrival of spring, dog owners begin to be tormented by one of their greatest fears: infection with ticks and the babesiosis they carry. To protect their pets, they use the best imported products, one more expensive than the other. And they throw away thousands of rubles in an attempt to protect their pet.
But there are inexpensive Russian drugs that work no worse, or even better, than foreign ones. One of them is Bars drops on the withers.
In the article I looked at how well Bars works, how it protects against fleas and ticks, how to use it and what side effects it can cause. He also provided a list of Russian and imported analogues and real user reviews. And at the end of the material you will find my recommendations for using and improving antiparasitic protection.
Release form and composition
Drops Bars (spot-on) – external antiparasitic against ticks and fleas. Produced by Russian.
There are 2 types of medicines - regular and Forte . Their composition and release forms differ:
Active ingredients | Regular form | Forte |
Fipronil | 50 mg/ml | 50 mg/ml |
Diflubenzuron | 1 mg/ml | 1 mg/ml |
Dicarboximide (MGK-264) | 5 mg/ml | — |
Citronella essential oil | — | 1 mg/ml |
Regular drops are produced in 4 variations:
Volume | Dog weight | Average price per pipette |
1.4 ml | 2-10 kg | 115 rub. |
2.8 ml | 10-20 kg | 180 rub. |
4.2 ml | 20-30 kg | 210 rub. |
5.0 ml | over 30 kg | 130 rub. |
The Forte subspecies for dogs is produced in 2 types:
Volume | Purpose | Average cost per package of 4 pipettes |
1.0 ml | Leopard for puppies | 335 rub. |
1.8 ml | For adult dogs | 350 rub. |
How it works
Regular spot-on and Bars Forte are combined insectoacaricidal preparations. Both are active against fleas, lice, lice, ixodid and sarcoptic ticks. The regular form also works against heilstiella.
A wide range of antiparasitic effects is due to the active substances included in the solution:
- Fipronil blocks GABA-dependent parasite receptors and disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Diflubenzuron stops the reproduction of ectoparasites by disrupting the processes of molting, laying eggs and hatching larvae from them.
- Dicarboximide enhances the effect and increases the toxicity of the two previous components. Contained only in regular drops.
The synergism of the active ingredients stops the reproduction of parasites, causing paralysis of adults and larvae with their subsequent death.
After application, the solution is distributed over the dog’s skin and accumulates in the epidermis, sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The medication is almost not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream, and its external effect lasts for 1-2 months.
Advantages
Bars drops have many advantages, which sets them apart from other medications with similar effects.
Main advantages:
- availability;
- ease of use;
- safety;
- does not cause addiction among parasites;
- wide spectrum of action;
- minimum contraindications;
- Can be used for puppies and adult dogs.
The advantages of this product include the minimal likelihood of side effects when used correctly.
Instructions for use and dosage
The solution is applied by spot application to dry, undamaged skin, free of scabs, dirt and crusts. Methods of use differ depending on the purpose:
- To prevent infection by fleas, lice, ticks, and to destroy them, the solution is dripped into places that are inaccessible for licking: on the withers, at the base of the skull, between the shoulder blades. It is important that the product gets on the skin: to do this, push the fur apart with two fingers.
- To treat otodectosis (ear scabies), 4-6 drops are instilled into each ear. Then they are folded and massaged. The remainder of the product is applied to the withers. The method is not used when the eardrum is perforated.
- To detach attached ixodid ticks, 1 drop is applied to it and 1 drop is applied to the place of its attachment. After 20-30 minutes it should fall off on its own. If this does not happen, the parasite is pulled out: the body is grabbed with tweezers as close to the skin as possible, the tool is twisted counterclockwise and at the same time pulled up.
Use Bars as needed, but not more than once a month. At the same time, clean the bedding and beds with any antiparasitic solution. If there is a large infestation of fleas and lice-eaters, the entire apartment is disinfected with insectoacaricides. Inexpensive and popular means for treating premises: Neostomazan, Butox, Agita (the last 2 are toxic to animals).
The dosages of the regular form and Forte are different. So, simple drops are used in the following doses:
Dosages for Forte:
If the dog weighs more than 30 kg, use a combination of pipettes at the rate of: 0.1 ml per kg for the regular solution and 0.18 ml per kg for Forte.
Complications
Ear scabies can be treated quickly; advanced disease can lead to:
- to purulent otitis;
- hematoma of the auricle.
By scratching sore ears until they bleed, a dog or cat damages the delicate skin of the auricle. Pathogenic microorganisms can enter scratches and micro-wounds in the ear canal and quickly spread, causing purulent inflammation. Treatment will require antibiotics. In its advanced form, otitis media will become chronic and will appear periodically.
Hematoma (otherwise known as lymphatic extravasation) of the auricle is a complication of otodectosis, more typical for cats. It is diagnosed when, as a result of injury to the auricle (the cat scratches the ear with sharp claws), a blood or lymphatic vessel under the skin bursts. A hematoma forms in the area of the auricle. Surgical intervention is required - under anesthesia, the skin inside the auricle is opened and the contents of the hematoma are removed.
Contraindications and side effects
The solution belongs to moderately dangerous medications (hazard class 3 according to GOST 12.1.007-76). At the indicated doses in healthy animals it does not cause side effects. However, in case of overdose or hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, the following are possible:
- hypersalivation - increased salivation;
- nausea and vomiting;
- muscle tremors;
- lacrimation.
When these symptoms appear, the drops are washed off with soap and water and symptomatic therapy is prescribed (usually antihistamines - Suprastin, Tavegil, etc.).
Keep in mind that the drug irritates the mucous membranes and eyes. Therefore, do not allow it to come into contact with these areas.
The medication is prohibited from use:
- puppies up to 2 months;
- pregnant and lactating bitches;
- pets weighing less than 2 kg (up to 1 kg for Forte);
- weakened, exhausted animals and those suffering from infectious pathologies;
- dogs with allergies to the components of the drug;
- simultaneously with other insectoacaricides;
- near fish and rabbits - the solution is toxic for them.
special instructions
Precautionary measures will help minimize the development of side effects from the use of an insectoacaricidal agent. You cannot use Bars drops to treat small kittens under 2 months of age. It is also not recommended to use the antiparasitic treatment for cats during the period of gestation and lactation.
Important! As a precaution, experts strongly do not recommend treating with several products at once or deliberately shortening the time between treatments.
Analogues of the drug
Although there are no complete analogues of Bars drops, there are many anti-tick drops with a similar composition and effect. The best ones:
Analogue | Differences | average price |
Inspector Total S | Also contains fipronil. Additionally, it eliminates roundworms and microfilariae larvae. Less likely to cause side effects. | 450 rub. |
Advantix | Contains other active ingredients – imidacloprid, permethrin. Has a repellent effect against flies, mosquitoes and midges. | 460 rub. |
Celandine | The action of fipronil is supplemented with permethrin. Does not work against demodectic mites. | 140 rub. |
Frontline Spot On | Fipronil based drops. The concentration of the active substance is 2 times higher than that of Bars. In addition to fleas and ticks, it destroys mosquitoes. | 500 rub. |
Dana Spot-On | Contains only fipronil (5%). The effect is worse. The drug is prohibited for kittens up to 12 weeks. | 130 rub. |
Pract-tic | Medicine based on pyriprole (12.5%). Does not help against sarcoptic and otodectic mites. | 420 rub. |
Rolf Club 3D | The effect of fipronil is enhanced by D-cyphenothrin and pyriproxyfen. Additionally, it has a repellent effect on blood-sucking insects. Eliminates parasites caught on the fur faster – in 2 minutes. Prohibited for puppies under 3 months. | 300 rub. |
Mister Bruno | In addition to fipronil, it contains pyriproxyfen. Suitable for dogs older than 3 months. For younger puppies, there is a herbal preparation with oils of wormwood, neem, cloves and citronella. The drug is less common. | 220 rub. |
BlochNet | In addition to fipronil, it contains benzyl benzoate and diethyltoluamide. Additional effect: repels mosquitoes. It has a pleasant scent, but the bottle is not convenient to use. Allowed from 10 weeks. | 115 rub. |
Review of 20 flea and tick medications for dogs
Combination with other means
Bars drops are combined with some antiparasitic agents. It is necessary to follow safety rules and only in this case will it be possible to avoid an overdose. You can combine Bars drops for cats with a special anti-parasitic collar, which will make it possible to prolong the effect of the main drug. It is not recommended to combine Bars drops on the withers with medications containing the same active ingredient.
Cats should be treated with only one product and strictly according to the instructions.
Owner reviews
Elena: “I used to take expensive products: the dog is allergic, and the drops have to be chosen carefully. But it was to imported medicines that I became allergic. Then she spat and switched to Bars. There are no side effects, it repels ticks right away. A couple of times over the summer I found parasites on my body, but they didn’t dig in, they just crawled like plagues through my fur. I give it to the dog 3 times a season: the animal tolerates it well and doesn’t worry.”
Egor: “I always use Bars drops - they work great, I’ve never had a problem.” When we go to the forest to pick mushrooms, I additionally take a spray of the same brand: after returning home, about a hundred ticks crawl out of the dog, but none of them bite. This means the product works, but you can’t stop parasites from crawling on your fur.”
Nina: “The drops are not bad, but they worked better before. Dogs tolerate them normally, only the Chinese Crested itches on the sofa for about 5 minutes: it’s clear that the skin is irritated. Unfortunately, the product does not last as long as stated in the instructions - a maximum of 2 weeks, and only if you do not bathe often. I wouldn’t have noticed, but there are a lot of ticks in our area: I’ve picked them off my pets a couple of times. But it’s better with Bars than without.”
Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to bathe a dog before and after using the drops?
It is forbidden to wash animals and allow them to swim in bodies of water for 3 days before and after applying the solution. Bathing washes away the lipid layer in which the medication accumulates and weakens its effect.
Is Bars safe for people?
The drug is moderately toxic. When using it, follow standard precautions: do not smoke, do not eat or drink, and wash your hands with soap after handling. If the solution gets into your eyes or mouth, wash them with running water. In case of accidental ingestion, seek immediate medical attention.
Can cats use the drops?
No. There is a separate release form for cats: it contains different concentrations of active components and volume of solution. The use of Barsa for dogs by cats will lead to an overdose with subsequent intoxication.
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.