If you’re not aware of Aloe Vera, I’m here to introduce you to this natural beauty for your fur kids.

I do want to stress that I’m not totally against conventional medicines.  I do, however, prefer to go the natural way first.  There’s less (if any) side effects and it feels much cleaner and less intrusive to your fur kids.

Aloe Vera is versatile so you can also use it on your human family.

ALOE VERA

Aloe Vera is a plant species of the genus Aloe.  It grows wild in tropical climates around the world and is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses.

You can grow it yourself, either inside or outside.

HOW TO GROW IT?

We bought an Aloe Vera plant (post pic) from our local garden centre and planted it in our garden out the front in semi sun/shade.

It’s of the succulent family so you don’t have to water it as regularly as normal plants, however it does still need watering.

If you don’t want to grow your own it is available from your local supermarket or chemist.  There are a lot of different types of Aloe Vera on the market.  The best one to look for is 99-100% organic or pure.  It defeats the purpose of going natural if it contains preservatives added etc.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to growing your own Aloe Vera.

Click here for more information on how to care for your Aloe Vera plant

WHEN USING YOUR OWN PLANT

Be aware don’t confuse another Aloe Vera ‘looking’ plant with the actual plant.  I have done this in the past myself.  We have another plant that looks very similar (Aloe Maculata), but the true Aloe Vera plant has less spikes and feels more spongy to me.

Ideally it’s best if the plant is 3 or more years old.

The Aloe contains saponins (which is found in latex) yellow/orange sap like residue of the aloe vera leaf rind.  AVOID the saponins as they can have a laxative effect.

When you actually split the leaf what you want is the clear gel substance that comes out.  Use that only.

6 REASONS YOUR DOG LOVES ALOE VERA!

Used topically (on the skin) Aloe Vera is a natural soothing remedy, for;

1. Any minor skin rashes or irritations from biting or scratching;
2. Any minor burns – including sunburn;
3. For dry skin
4. For minor insect bites or stings;
5. Eczema; &
6. Hot spots.

Obviously, if symptoms persist definitely visit a trusted vet.

HOW TO APPLY ALOE VERA?

Whether it’s from a tube or the leaf itself, place some aloe vera gel on your finger tips and ever so lightly rub over the effected area on your fur baby.

Apply to the area 2-4 times daily, or as required.

It’s non-toxic so if your dog does happen to lick it, it should be fine.  However, to get around this I usually apply the gel and then distract Billy with a game or a walk or apply it just before he has his dinner.  This way for 1-2 minutes or more your fur baby is distracted and the gel has time to soak in.

Have you used Aloe Vera gel on your fur babies?  Billy and I would love to hear from you.  Drop us a comment and have a chat.

Cheers

J & B xoxo