Aloe Vera has been proven effective in fighting many types of infection in animals, treating mites, bacteria, fungi, and yeast-related conditions. Acemannan, a compound found in Aloe Vera gel, stimulates immune system response, and has increased the effectiveness of many veterinary vaccines. The gel is gentle enough to use on delicate eye and ear tissue and makes a versatile topical treatment and well as nutritional supplement. Aloe can complement many treatments and boost the effectiveness of some medicinal substances by increasing their rate of absorption.
Pure Aloe Vera gel is great to have on hand for first aid uses. Aloe disinfects cuts and scrapes and encourages cellular regeneration, resulting in faster healing and less scarring. Add Aloe gel to gentle, diluted soap, or apply it directly to the skin and cover with gauze as a wound dressing. Diluted Aloe gel can also be kept in a spray bottle for easy application. Check out our resources section below for a list of animal-friendly products with Aloe.
Common veterinary uses for Aloe Vera
Itchy dogs
Fleas can be a nasty problem. Some dogs are especially sensitive to flea bites, and getting rid of fleas once they’re infected can be tough. Dogs often become obsessed with licking and scratching flea-bitten skin, resulting in sores which are vulnerable to the bacterial infection.
Aloe Vera gel may be used to clean and protect these “hot spots.” In addition to antibacterial properties which disinfect the wound, and the immune stimulant acemannan, Aloe also has an anesthetic effect, which is why it feels so good on sunburned skin. Applying the gel regularly can soothe the itch and relieve your dog’s need to constantly tend to the wound.
Repeated application of pure Aloe gel will speed healing–three or four applications a day will do the trick. If your dog continues to lick the irritation and prevent healing, one alternative to a collar is to wrap the wound in gauze after applying the gel, changing the dressing at least once every two days until it has healed.
Ear mites and viruses
Some cats don’t resound well to antibiotics, and Aloe can be useful as a replacement therapy for a variety of feline disorders. Feline Infectious Peritonitis, Feline Leukemia Virus, and related syndromes are highly preventable via vaccine, but highly contagious and dangerous if left untreated. In advanced cases, Aloe can be used as a companion remedy to penicillin-based treatments. Aloe has been proven to relieve symptoms including eye irritations, runny noses, and dry skin when used topically as well as intravenously–it’s worth discussing these options with your veterinarian. Aloe nutritional supplements can also be used as a follow-up treatment to prevent recurrence of the disease. For more information on FIP, check out our post.
As with dogs, Aloe can be used to treat fleas or ear mites–a common problem in kittens. Aloe gel is sometimes an ingredient in drops for mite infections. A drop or two of gel can also be added to the solution. In addition, Aloe gel can be GENTLY applied to the outer portions of the ear with a cotton swab to clean, disinfect, soothe, and prevent the recurrence of ear mites.
Arthritis, ulcers, and more
Doses of Aloe gel administered orally have been effective in reducing swollen joints, throat infections, ulcers and digestive disorders including grass sickness in horses. Aloe Vera gel added to the food is a highly effective treatment for gastric ulcers, which occur in over 90% of race horses.
Race horses are also vulnerable to tendon injuries. It is very important that the inflammatory reaction is contained as soon as possible to avoid worsening the injury. Compresses of frozen Aloe gel can help in early on, followed by a heat rub with aloe in the later stages of treatment. Blended with glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM, Aloe also may be used to treat arthritis. Aloe increases the absorption of these agents thus maximizing their benefits.
As with dogs and cats, Aloe may also be used to clean and soothe skin abrasions in horses, as well as hemotomas (deep bruises common on the sole of the foot). Both oral and topical application can be effective treatments for skin conditions caused by allergies, abscesses, fungal infections, and many types of dermatitis.
With any medical condition, consult a veterinarian before beginning a new course of treatment. Your vet well be able to help you determine the proper dosage for your animal and the best way to better incorporate Aloe into an existing or follow-up treatment.
Resources
- Aloequine nutritional supplements for horses
- Equinature all-natural treatments for skin conditions, ulcers, and more
- Corta-flex all-natural nutritional supplements for horses with Aloe
- Finish Line Horse Products Aloe Vera nutritional supplements gastric ulcer treatments for horses
- Vet’s Best natural flea and tick shampoos and leave-in treatments for dogs and cats
- Organic Oscar Aloe Vera bathing products for dogs
- Earthbath natural products for dogs, cats, and horses
- Healthy Pets carries a variety of Aloe ear cleaners, shampoos and more
- Flying Basset Organics Aloe Vera Extract for internal or external use
- Espree Natural Pet Care for dogs, cats, and horses including Aloe vera hot spot foam, bathing products, and eye wash
Brazil Johns says
WOW! Excellent article….I would like to reference some of this information on my site http://largedogbreeds.net It will be very relevant, not to mention I learned a few things about aloe myself and will def use on my own pets…. Thanks again, Braz
Stina says
I have a staffy with the typical staffy skin of itches and allergies. I have found that applying pure Aloe Vera gel has helped soothe his skin and given him relief. But it was interesting to read the other aspects of it as well. However, my vet did tell me that eating or ingesting the Aloe leaf is toxic to dogs. I would hope that this is different regarding the gel. Can anyone confirm?
Pep says
I have given my dogs aloe vera gel with no problem. I don’t give them too much. If you are going to give them aloe vera gel from your backyard, you have to be extra careful with the bitter sap because of laxative, and depending on the size of your dog. Otherwise you can get 100% aloe ver gel (I use George’s because it is 100%, no preservative) and here’s the link as guideline to start with. Always start small before increasing but never go beyond, because it can be toxic. HTH
http://www.ehow.com/info_8749225_internal-uses-aloe-vera-dogs.html
Stewart says
The aloe leaf itself contains substances which are toxic to dogs. Even the inside of the outer leaf too as this contains latex. However, the aloe gel found inside the leaf is non toxic and this is the substance which has numerous benefits for humans and animals alike.
Robyn John says
Our 4 year old staffie has had a continuing skin condition since he was 8 months old. It has varied between fungal and or bacterial infections ( according to the vet ). We tried changing his diet 9vet recommendation) over 6 months to no avail.
I have tried using various shampoos that include all anti itch/ control of mites/ fungal and bacterial infections. Sometimes they work then other times he is worse for it. Aloe Vera I have also tried with some success. Then there are the Aloe products with oatmeal as a shampoo and as a skin conditioner. I have also tried collodial silver which works sometimes. Then there is bathing him in selsen dandruff shampoo which a vet suggested. This also works at times.
We have also tried medication -anti fungal & bacterial drugs which help a bit but are very expensive.
We have also tried a quarterone injection which helped a lot but we don’t want to have him on that constantly either.
If anyone has a suggestion that WORKS please let me know.
From Robyn….frustrated Staffie lover
pamarshall1962 says
i have a 14 year old dog w/all kinds of skin problems w/fleas & icthing w/loss of hair, the best & cheapest way i have found that helps him is; 1. bath it in babt shampoo w/lemon or lime that’s been sliced boiled for 2 min. & left to steaped over nite, 1/4 baby shampoo & the rest w/ the steaped juice, 2. twice a week take fresh plain yogurt rub over entire body leave on for 20 min, & rinse, (do not wash or bath animal afterwards) & another thing change your pets diet to fresh meats uncooked for about 2 or 3 weeks, it help there inmune system fight back better, try that & let me know how it goes.
Stewart says
I too have a Staffy cross – Haribo!! He likes to sunbathe lying on his back with all 4 legs splayed. So, he regularly gets sunburned as I live in a sunny place. I use Aloe Gelly on him and this reduces the redness and any soreness. I also use this for any cuts, grazes etc he gets whilst out looking for lizards in the rocks. I loved this product so much and saw so many uses that I became a distributor for it and you can see my Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ForeverTouchProducts and see a link on there for my online shop where you can order it for your Staffy too!
Angie says
Our dog has severe allergies, and we’ve tried everything. Thankfully we stumbled across a medication called Apoquel.. It has been a miracle! However, be warned, it is in constant shortage, but maybe you’ll get lucky. Good luck!
Sue says
Hi just read about your poor staffy. Have you tried changing the diet at all. Raw is good for allergies? Might be worth a try xx
Lezley says
Hi I was reading about your rpoblems with dog skin conditions,,,I dad a staf where my so rescued sh was a large scab with a tongue and big heat I took her to the vets and was told she had denadex.they gave maps a shampoo the I had to wear gloves to pally.she would cry from it enough ,,I went to my mom who was a nurse in the 1940s she suggested a coal shampoo ,I bathed Maggie every day the hair grew back my hands were soft.the vet who said the do might last 1-2 years put her down at14 her coat was thin but she had a coat she was a loving preparation of the family who would allow my grandson to crawl all over her and would could any chance she had..she would cry tears if scolded.and was a joy or have in our family
I’m a believer in coal shampoo it is gentle enough and Maggie hated her baths that we cut back from daily to three times a week to weekly.if I noticed pink parts or points we went back to daily for a while.
Goe to the pharmacist and they will shoe you where it is
It’s about $12 but that lasts a month and give her two good scrubs each bath.you don’t need a lot of the shampoo and it has a nice clean smell not like drugs…try it it works”……..oh Maggie had pancreatic cancer at he end
Mokihana says
A friend recently suggested NEEM oil and capsules for my American Pit Bull Terrier, who has all kinds of skin sesitivities. She used NEEM on her Sharpei that her vetenarian could not believe lived with a beautiful coat and no skin problems or infections for 17 years….
Joyce says
My cat was diagnosed with feline leukemia and sent home to die. The vet told me she would be dead in a couple of weeks. She was dehydrated, wouldn’t drink or eat. I brought her home and started giving her aloe vera juice orally. (I used a high MPS aloe vera juice – available from http://www.aloemaster). In a few days she was drinking water on her own. Then I started force feeding her, 3 or 4 times a day, with a mixture of cottage cheese, yogurt, aloe vera juice, MSM, and a couple of other natural ingredients. 2 or 3 weeks later she was eating on her own and running around like a kitten. She lived another 8 years and died at age 19! I give aloe vera the credit. I had seen a study done by TX A&M prior to all this where they used extract of aloe vera and had excellent results in cats with feline leukemia. That information was taken off the internet not too long afterwards. The vet in Canada couldn’t believe it when I took her back several months later. I told him about aloe vera and I’ve told subsequent vets since then. They have to tow the line, however, and don’t seem to want to pass on this all natural remedy.
Linda says
Thank you for posting your experience.
I too stumbled on oral doses of pure aloe for my very sick kitten that should not be alive right now.
I found him as a ten day old by a dumpster one cold night. He was intolerant of dairy, goat’s milk, kmr, chicken… and probably more.Aloe vera juice has saved his life. He seems to be gaining the enzymes he has been deficient in for digesting food. It’s the aloe. He is now ten weeks old. Still too small but hanging in there. 🙂
marion king says
my staffie is the same and scraches himself silly aloe vera gel works !! i’m going to try it on his ears ( they get infected FUNGAL INFECTIONS ) and have today got an aloe vera plant, so i have it to hand
zed says
I suggest Aloe Ferox more than Aloe Vera.
Danielle Brown says
See the article “Aloe Ferox: A Bitter, More Nutrient-Rich Version of the Aloe Vera for more information on the plant!
Christopher Ojimba says
Alo Vera is king it’s miraculous both for human beings and the extension of the human family cats dogs etc
Vcravi says
Looks like our male Labrador does have a eye lid tumor. Surgically it has been removed but off late resurfaced again before it penetrates deep into its upper jaw I would like to stop its growth. Read about aloe Vera. Can I apply its gel directly into its eye. Is it safe. Can you pl guide me.
Lorrie says
Can I use aloe vesta, cleansing foam for a dry shampoo for my cat?
Lorrie says
Can I use aloe vesta as a dry shampoo for my cat?