Is aloe poisonous to dogs?

Updated 04/07/2023

Aloe vera: a medicinal plant revered by us humans for its (almost) countless health benefits. From its cooling effects and wound-healing properties to its benefits for dental hygiene and the appearance of wrinkles, it’s no wonder it’s popular in the human world. So, with all of these advantages to using (or ingesting) aloe, can other species get the same health benefits as we humans can? Can your pooch enjoy better dental hygiene and a reduction in constipation, or is aloe poisonous to dogs? Let’s find out.

Can dogs eat aloe vera?

So, is aloe vera poisonous to dogs or is aloe safe for dogs to eat? Well unfortunately it’s a hard no on this one - aloe vera is poisonous to dogs and will cause a whole host of nasty symptoms for them if ingested. Aloe contains properties that are toxic to animals, with the main symptoms being intense vomiting and diarrhea.

Aloe vera poisoning in dogs

If you’re worried your precious pup has nabbed a chunk from your aloe plant, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately to avoid any further toxicity. Below, we explore the symptoms to look out for along with how your vet may diagnose and treat aloe vera toxicity.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of aloe vera poisoning in dogs are excessive vomiting and diarrhea. This is because aloe contains anthraquinone glycosides which are purgatives, causing increased bowel movements. Dehydration, weakness, and abdominal pain may also occur.  

Less common side effects include breathing difficulties, dark-colored urine, abnormal heart rate, tremors, and seizures. 

If you notice any combination of these symptoms in your dog and you know they’ve ingested aloe vera, it’s important to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Diagnosis

Even if your pup isn’t displaying signs of toxicity yet but you think they’ve ingested aloe vera, it’s vital you make an urgent appointment with your veterinarian. Try to go with as much information about your dog’s medical history as possible, including how much aloe they might have eaten. 

The vet will start by performing a physical examination on your pet, assessing their breathing, their temperature and checking for any stomach pain. They may also advise some lab work to check their blood and urine parameters in case any abnormalities need addressing.

Treatment

If your dog has eaten a large amount of the plant your vet may decide to induce vomiting, to avoid any side effects from developing. Stomach pumping (flushing the stomach out under anesthetic) can also be an effective way of removing harmful material from your dog. 

If your dog has already started digesting the aloe vera and is showing symptoms of toxicity, then treatment will be supportive. Some dogs may only develop a mild bout of stomach upset, whereas others could be at risk of dehydration from profuse vomiting and diarrhea. This may depend on how much of the plant they have eaten as well as their general health status. 

Your vet may recommend intravenous fluids to counteract this, as well as anti-nausea medication and pain relief to help with any associated stomach cramping.

Other treatments offered may depend on the results of your dog’s blood and urine work or if they are showing any other of the less common symptoms. 

The prognosis is usually good if these dogs receive prompt treatment from a veterinarian as aloe is rated as mild to moderately toxic, unlike some other plants which can be fatal if ingested.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

Other plants that are poisonous to dogs

It turns out that there are heaps of plants that are poisonous to dogs yet common in human households and gardens. Here are a few more to watch out for…

• Poinsettia
• Wisteria
• Tulips
• Sweet pea plants