If you’re not using aloe vera for dogs, you could be missing out on some very important benefits. But before you grab that bottle of aloe gel from your cupboard, there’s one ingredient you need to know about. Otherwise, you could accidentally make your dog sick.
Aloe vera is a perennial, succulent plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. There are about 500 species of this medicinal plant and only a few are edible. The most common edible variety is Aloe vera barbadensis. It’s recognized for its long triangular, fleshy leaves with serrated edges.
You can keep an aloe vera plant in the house. Or you can buy fresh aloe leaves at the grocery store – they’ll keep up to 3 days in the fridge. Aloe is also available in bottles, but you’ll see why this may not be the best option for your dog.
Aloe plants are popular houseplants known for their medicinal qualities and succulent leaves. However, aloe plants contain compounds that can be toxic for household pets if ingested. As a pet owner, it’s crucial to safeguard your furry companions by keeping aloe plants out of reach. This article provides a comprehensive guide on aloe plant safety for pet owners.
Key Risks of Aloe Plants for Pets
The main risk aloe plants pose for pets is toxicity if leaves or sap are consumed. Aloes contain saponins and anthraquinones – compounds that cause gastrointestinal irritation. Ingestion can lead to:
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy, depression
- Tremors
- Changes in urine color
- Liver damage (rare cases)
Cats are especially prone to aloe toxicity due to their curious nature and tendency to nibble on houseplants. However, dogs are also at risk if aloe is ingested. The level of toxicity depends on the amount consumed, with higher quantities being more dangerous.
Preventing Access to Aloe Plants
As a pet owner, restricting access is the best way to avoid accidental aloe ingestion. Here are some tips:
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Keep aloe plants completely out of reach of pets, ideally in rooms or areas they can’t access
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If you allow pets supervised time in rooms with aloes, move plants to high shelves or use barriers like closed cabinets to block access.
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Monitor for fallen leaves broken stems or other plant debris that may attract pets. Discard immediately.
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Opt for pet-friendly alternatives like cat grass instead of aloe plants.
Recognizing Signs of Aloe Ingestion
If you suspect your pet has consumed part of an aloe plant watch for these symptoms
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite for over 24 hours
- Lethargy, depression, hiding
- Shaking or tremors
- Increased thirst or changes in urine color
- Difficulty breathing
You should contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately if any concerning symptoms develop after possible aloe exposure. Quick action is vital for successful treatment.
First Aid Tips for Aloe Ingestion
While awaiting veterinary care for possible aloe poisoning, you can take these initial steps:
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Encourage your pet to drink water to avoid dehydration from fluid loss.
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Do not induce vomiting unless specifically advised by your veterinarian, as this can be dangerous.
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Collect any pieces of the aloe plant for identification by your vet.
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Avoid giving medications, supplements, or home remedies without your vet’s guidance.
Pet-Safe Aloe Plant Alternatives
To safely moisturize your pet’s skin or treat minor abrasions, use pet-friendly alternatives such as:
- Coconut oil – Has antibacterial, antifungal properties
- Chamomile tea – Anti-inflammatory, soothing
- Calendula – Antiseptic, aids wound healing
- Pet-safe non-toxic gels or ointments
Check with your vet before using any new topical product on your pet.
Aloe plants contain toxins that can endanger cats, dogs and other household pets. By keeping aloes out of reach and supervising your pets around these plants, you can help avoid accidental ingestion. Recognize the symptoms of aloe poisoning, and respond immediately if they develop. With proper precautions regarding access and alternatives for treatment, aloe plants can safely co-exist in homes with pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are any parts of the aloe plant safe for pets?
A: No parts of the aloe plant are considered safe for pets to ingest. Even the gel can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset.
Q: How much aloe ingestion is dangerous?
A: Any amount has the potential to cause toxicity. The level of danger depends on the quantity consumed, with higher amounts being more hazardous.
Q: Can I add aloe gel to my pet’s food or water?
A: No, you should never give your pet aloe gel internally or allow them access to it. Even small amounts could be toxic.
Q: Are succulents other than aloe poisonous to pets?
A: Many other succulents contain toxins as well, including jade plants, snake plants, and agave. Take precautions with all succulents.
Q: What’s the most effective way to keep my pet from eating my aloe plant?
A: The most foolproof method is keeping the plant in an area your pet can never access, ideally a closed room. You can also use pet barriers as added protection.
Aloe Aids Digestion
Aloe vera is good for your dog’s gut health in several ways. It’s 98% water, so it increases the water content in your dog’s bowels to improve regularity. It stimulates muscle contractions to relieve stomach upset and short term constipation. Aloe also promotes healing along your dog’s gastrointestinal tract … thanks to the prostaglandins it contains.
Aloe also has digestive enzymes that break down food, which puts less stress on the gut. And better digestion helps your dog absorb important nutrients. That’s not the only way these enzymes can help your dog…
How To Find A Good Aloe Product
There are lots of aloe products on the market from topical gels to tasty drinks. But when you buy a premade aloe product for your dog, you need to choose the right one. Products you buy for yourself may have other ingredients and chemicals that could cause irritation. For example, these are the ingredients in one brand of “Pure” Aloe Vera Gel:
- Organic aloe barbadensis leaf juice – this is the good stuff.
- Carbomer – an emulsifier and thickening agent.
- 1,2-hexanediol – a synthetic emollient.
- Hydroxyacetophenone – a synthetic antioxidant that can cause eye or skin irritation. It’s also harmful if swallowed.
- Triethanolamine – a surfactant that is also a skin and respiratory allergen.
- Disodium edta – a food preservative that binds to metals. It’s safe for limited use.
Look for a product that doesn’t contain chemicals like these! If you’re not sure about an ingredient, you can look it up at ewg.org.
You also want to make sure the aloe has no preservatives, sweeteners or flavorings. It should be organic and 100% aloe vera.
When used for eating or drinking, it may be 100% aloe or have citric acid added as a preservative. Either way, be sure it doesn’t contain aloin … especially when using it internally.