Safe Herbs for Dogs - Aloe

Aloe Aloe Vera (Lily family)

Main Constituents

Amino acids, calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc
Vitamin A, C, and E

Medicinal Activities

Anti-bacterial
wound healing
skin soothing
antioxidant
anti-inflammatory
antiallergy
anticancer
antitumor

Common Uses in Dogs

For topical use on the skin: The fresh juice or commercially prepared gel of aloe is commonly used as a topical skin dressing for curing minor skin problems such as minor burns and wounds. It also brings immediate relief to fleabites and poison ivy, and reduces the itch on wounds after surgery.
The juice/gel can be applied, once or twice daily, to lightly cover the wound. Allow it to dry and let it stay on as long as possible.

Taken internally, chemical compounds in aloe are found to have antioxidant and anticancer actions in the body. However, adverse side effects (laxative and cathartic) can be dramatic and it is therefore advisable that aloe be used externally only.

Availability

Aloe gel or juice is available at health food stores.

Get herbs (fresh and dried) and tinctures from:

Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c

J.A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing (Rodale Books, 2000).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).

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