Aloe Vera for Dogs: A Natural Remedy for Skin Issues

Dogs can benefit from aloe vera, a plant known for its soothing and healing properties. The clear inner gel of the aloe vera plant is generally considered safe for use on dogs, but the yellow latex layer that grows between the leaves and internal gel contains aloin, which can cause intestinal cramping and other gastrointestinal issues.

## What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to the Arabian Peninsula, grown around the world for its medicinal properties. The plant's leaves contain a clear gel encased in a yellow latex film, both of which have medicinal properties. Aloe vera's active ingredients include enzymes, amino acids, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals.

## Is Aloe Vera Safe for Dogs?

While some parts of the aloe vera plant are safe for dogs, others are not. The yellow latex layer that grows between the leaves and internal gel contains aloin, which can cause intestinal cramping and other gastrointestinal issues in dogs. If your dog consumes part of a whole leaf, symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling, and significant gastrointestinal upset.

## How Does Aloe Vera Work?

Aloe vera's enzymes have an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing inflammation in rashes, hot spots, and other skin irritations. The plant's amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that maintain skin and coat health. Aloe vera's saponins, which have cleansing and antiseptic properties, help speed wound healing.

## What Can Aloe Vera Treat?

Aloe vera can treat or speed the healing of scrapes and abrasions, insect bites, poison ivy exposure, minor burns, rashes, hot spots, mild allergic skin reactions, skin irritation from sutures after surgery, and dry, itchy, or flaky skin.

## How to Apply Aloe Vera

If you have an aloe vera plant, simply cut or break off a leaf and slice it open. Avoid the yellow latex film that's just inside the leaf's skin and use a spoon to remove the clear gel in the leaf's center. Hold it securely and gently glide the gel over your dog's skin. Apply enough aloe vera gel or juice to cover the affected area and let it dry, repeating as needed.

## Aloe Vera Products for Pets

Several aloe vera gel products are labeled specifically for pets, including Buddycare Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Plus DermoGel, Bugalug's Aloe Soothing Gel for Pets, and Raslok Aloe Vera Gel for Dogs. Many products labeled for pet use combine aloe vera gel with other ingredients, such as Nature's Specialties Aloe Concentrated Pet Shampoo, Amazonia Pet Care Aloe Vera Shampoo, and EarthBath Oatmeal & Aloe Conditioner.

## Can Aloe Vera Be Used Internally?

Aloe vera's clear gel or juice contains polysaccharides that soothe and coat mucous membranes, which is why aloe vera is said to improve gut health, the immune system, and nutrient absorption. Human studies support claims that aloe vera juice helps metabolize sugars, fats, and starches while reducing inflammation, promoting a healthy gut microbiome, and improving muscle and joint function.

## Aloe Vera Juice for Pets

Aloe vera juice that is labeled for human consumption without the addition of other ingredients such as sweeteners and flavoring agents can be added in small amounts to your dog's food or treats. One safe option is Lily of the Valley's Preservative-free Aloe Vera Inner Fillet Juice, a mild tasting, organically grown, IASC-certified aloe beverage that supports digestive wellness.

## When Not to Use Aloe Vera for Dogs

Aloe vera is versatile, but it isn't a magical cure for all problems. Contact your veterinarian or choose another remedy to treat deep cuts, puncture wounds, seriously infected skin, surgical incisions unless recommended by your veterinarian, large burns, and skin with heavy drainage.

## Alternatives to Aloe Vera for Dog Skin Care

If you aren't able to use aloe vera or would like an effective substitute for its topical or oral applications, consider coconut oil, calendula, chamomile, oatmeal, or apple cider vinegar.