Alice White
Not all houseplants are as harmless as they look. And the aloe vera plant also has a very good reputation for its healing properties. However, very few people know that it can cause severe poisoning in pets. The Mediterranean plant is absolutely incompatible with dogs.
The Essentials in Brief
- The medicinal plant aloe vera contains substances that are poisonous to dogs;
- The plant components saponin and aloin have a toxic effect on the dog’s organism;
- The poisons attack the gastrointestinal tract, the mucous membranes, and the cardiovascular system;
- Symptoms Include Diarrhea, Vomiting, and Cramps;
- In processed form, for example in the form of gels, aloe vera is also safe for dogs.
What Exactly is the Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a plant with fleshy, elongated, pointed leaves. She feels particularly comfortable in high temperatures. It is particularly common in the Mediterranean region and in Arab countries. In our latitudes, it has been considered a popular houseplant for several decades. It is also said to have a healing effect. Their leaves contain a gel-like mass. This gel contains the carbohydrate acemannan and salicylic acid. Acemannan helps the skin with cell renewal. Salicylic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect. Aloe vera is now a popular remedy, especially for use on the skin.
But in addition to its healing properties, aloe vera has other advantages. In recent years it has also seen a real boom as a houseplant. No wonder with their exotic appearance. It is also robust and easy to care for. It can therefore be found in more and more households.
Why Do Dogs Not Tolerate Aloe Vera?
As much as masters enjoy the aloe vera plant, this does not apply to dogs. Poisoning quickly occurs when animals eat the plant. The reason for this is the substances saponin and aloin contained in the plant. The dog’s organism cannot tolerate this. If saponin and aloin get into the bloodstream and gastrointestinal tract, symptoms can be severe. Possible signs of aloe vera poisoning include:
- Cramps;
- Signs of paralysis;
- Diarrhea, vomiting, gastrointestinal problems;
- Irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.
Aloe Vera: Plant Poisonous, Gel and Cream Harmless
It is important that only the aloe vera plant is poisonous for the animal. Here the substances are contained in full concentration. Depending on the amount consumed, they can lead to severe poisoning. So it’s all about the unprocessed plant in its natural form. If it is processed further, for example as a cream or gel, the dog can tolerate it very well.
Aloe Vera as a Remedy for Dogs
If the plant is processed as a gel, washing lotion, or cream, it no longer contains saponin and aloin. Numerous care products for dogs that contain aloe vera are available from pet supplies. These can be used without hesitation. They actually have a healing effect on dogs too. It can be used to moisten mucous membranes, stimulate digestion or reduce skin irritation. The plant also alleviates slight inflammation. However, only in processed form. Dog owners should never use the gel of the plant pure on the dog!
Didn’t it happen and the dog ate aloe vera? There is a particular danger if it has not only devoured the leaves. Inside is the so-called heart of the plant, where the toxic substances are in concentrated form. In any case, take the animal to the vet or the nearest clinic immediately. The less saponin and aloin that get into the bloodstream, the better. To do this, the vet pumps out the stomach.
However: dogs are carnivores. So only in the rarest of cases will Bello voluntarily attack an aloe vera plant.
