Aloe vera is a plant that we can find in a lot of products lately. It’s mostly used in products that are meant for skin care, hair care and other cosmetic products.
This plant has many benefits that are well known, but also some of them are not so widely applied.
Since it has very powerful effect on people, aloe can, in some way, also be used for dogs.
Internal use
Dogs definetely can’t eat aloe vera. This plant is very toxic for dogs as well as for cats. Level of toxicity of this plant is marked as mild to moderate. This plant contains anthraquinone glycosides which are known as purgatives, that affect bowel movements.
So, common effects from your dog eating aloe vera are vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, changes in ureine color and tremors. Toxic part of the plant is also saponine which can be found in latex. If your dog shows any of these signs, and he has eaten aloe than make sure to check in with your vet.
Internal use of this plant for dogs doesn’t have any beneficial health effects, so there is no point in giving him this plant on purpose. Make sure to keep it away from your furry friend, and watch out for any signs if he has been around aloe vera plant. You’re better off sharing spaghetti with your dog.
External use
Aloe vera can be used externally on dogs. Just like for the humans, most of it’s benefits are for the skin and this plant is usually used on these outside body areas. Her benefits are antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, which soothes our skin. Prostagladins reduce inflammation and also allergic reactions.
Also acemannan, polysaccharide as a immune stimulant in aloe vera can help pets with allergies, skin infections and similar diseases including cancer. Acemannan has proven effect in treating tumors in dogs and other pets. We can aplly aloe vera on skin burns, scars, eczema and other skin irritations. If your canine has a hot spot, put a little aloe vera gel, twice a day, to ease his discomfort.
What to look for when buying aloe products
Always check your labels on any product that you are about to use on your dog, especially if it’s not meant for pets. Check for sweeteners, preservatives and flavourings and try to find the one that is 99% pure. Look for things like saponins, and above mentioned toxic ingredients, although they are mostly removed through the industrial processing. But, better to be safe than sorry.
So, for internal uses aloe vera is not safe for your dogs. Always make sure to keep them away from this plant, and look for any symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting if he has been around this plant.
Also, in that case contact your veterinarian. External use of aloe vera is beneficial for dogs, just like for humans, and you can help your friend to feel less discomfort if he has any scars, hot spots or other skin conditions. Aloe vera, overall, is a very beneficial plant, if used in the right way.
Learn more about your pets’ diet, read our article on potatoes as dog food.
