Is Aloe Vera Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

Aloe vera leaves contain saponins and anthraquinone glycosides (found in the yellow latex just under the skin), which act as a laxative and irritate the digestive tract.

The clear inner gel is less of a concern, but products made for people may contain other ingredients, so do not apply or give aloe products to pets without veterinary advice.

How to recognize it

Aloe vera is a succulent with thick, fleshy, grey-green leaves edged with small teeth, growing in a rosette. A cut leaf shows clear gel inside and a yellow sap just under the skin, which is the part that upsets the stomach.

Signs to watch for

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Change in urine color (occasionally)

What to do

• Contact your veterinarian if vomiting or diarrhea is severe or lasts more than a day.
• Keep aloe plants out of reach, especially of dogs that chew.
• Do not use human aloe gels on pets that may lick them off.

If aloe gel soothes skin, why is the plant a problem?

The leaf has two layers that people often think of as one. The clear inner gel is what goes into skin products. Just under the green skin is a thin layer of yellow latex, which contains anthraquinones such as aloin. That latex is a strong laxative, and it is what upsets a pet's stomach.

A dog that bites into a whole leaf gets both. So "aloe is good for skin" does not mean the plant is safe to eat, and it does not mean a store-bought gel is safe to lick either.

Can I put aloe gel on my pet's skin, and what if my dog licks it?

Ask your vet first. Pets lick whatever is applied to them, and human aloe products often contain other ingredients such as alcohol, fragrance or numbing agents that are not meant to be swallowed.

If your vet recommends a topical product, use one made for animals and follow their instructions. Never cut a leaf from the plant and rub it on your pet, since that brings the latex along with the gel.

Also watch for aloe in products you use on yourself. A dog that licks sunburn gel off your legs is getting a small amount, but repeated licking of a thick layer can still upset a stomach.

Which succulents are mistaken for aloe?

Many rosette-shaped succulents are sold side by side, and not all of them carry the same risk. Checking the Latin name on the label helps.

• Other Aloe species, such as tiger aloe and lace aloe, share the same general makeup and deserve the same caution.
• Haworthia, including zebra haworthia, looks like a small striped aloe and is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic.
• Agave looks similar but has sharp spines and irritating sap, and is a different plant altogether.
• Kalanchoe and jade plant are often potted with aloe in succulent gardens. Kalanchoe is the more serious of these.

Pet-safe alternatives

Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

• Non-toxicSpider plant
• Non-toxicCalathea (prayer plant)

Common questions

Is aloe vera poisonous to pets?

Cats: Mildly toxic. Dogs: Mildly toxic. Aloe vera is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Eating aloe leaves can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats.

Is it safe to keep aloe vera in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes, as long as your pets cannot reach it. Do not use human aloe gels on pets that may lick them off.

What should I do if my pet chews aloe vera?

Contact your veterinarian if vomiting or diarrhea is severe or lasts more than a day. Keep aloe plants out of reach, especially of dogs that chew.

Which pet-safe plants can I grow instead of aloe vera?

Spider plant and calathea are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

← All plants

Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).