Aloe Vera is one of the most famous plants in the organic and herbal world. Many of us have used it before for various reasons like summer sunburn, but did you know you can use it on your canine companion as well?

There are at least 275 different aloe species, but only three or four are used commercially. Despite its resemblance to a cactus, Aloe Vera actually belongs to the lily family and grows in tropical and semi-tropical regions of the world. You could very well have a plant somewhere in your home!

How can this plant help your dog?

Aloe Vera is known for its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, which allows it to soothe the skin, especially thanks to prostaglandins which help reduce inflammation, promote healing and alleviate allergic reactions.

In addition to prostaglandins, acemannan, an immune booster found in this plant, may be useful for allergies, skin infections and other diseases that weaken the immune system, including cancer.

Aloe Vera can therefore also be applied to wounds, burns, eczema or any other skin irritation such as bites and stings. It can also be used by mouth at the recommended doses.

What Aloe Vera?

When buying Aloe Vera, be sure to look for the juice or gel of the inner fillet and not the whole leaf, which can produce a laxative effect if your dog consumes it. Make sure the plant does not contain any preservatives, sweeteners or flavors, whether it is organic and at least 99% pure. Make sure you always buy a quality product to consume, in juice or gel. Gel may be preferable to juice because it is thicker, but either form will work.

Aloe Vera, is it risky?

Aloe Vera also contains saponins, which are found in the latex, as well as in the yellow or orange residue of the bark of its leaves. Saponins should always be avoided due to their strong laxative effect. However, juices and gels sold in stores do not contain saponins!
When you split a leaf, saponins are easy to spot. If you want to use your own plant, carefully remove the gel and use only that part of the leaf. Avoid yellow or orange sap found throughout the skin. For best results, your plant should be at least three years old.