The positive health benefits of Aloe Vera have been well known and used for thousands of years but did you know that your pets could benefit from the plant as well? Aloe Vera is a handy plant to have as part of your first aid kit and for animals can be used as a preventative measure. A spray or tube of gel works wonders on skin conditions such as abrasions, burns or scalds. Aloe Vera can also increase healing time after a pet has had treatment or surgery at the vets.
Vets have used Aloe for animal issues such as:
- Ulcerated gums
- Skin conditions
- Wounds
- Pulled muscles
- Abscesses
- Arthritis
- Ringworm
Aloe Vera can also be effective in the treatment of mites, fungal infections and yeast-related conditions. It helps to stimulate the immune system but is also gentle enough to be used in eyes and ears. Aloe can be used both as a topical treatment and ingested by using an aloe vera juice. It also helps to absorb medication. For more information about fitness and health visit http://gofitnesslifestyle.com/
Washing your pets with aloe is another option as it is gentle on the skin and also acts as anti-bacterial. Most animals at some point will experience fleas and dogs in particular can lick and scratch at the irritated area. This can lead to infection so using aloe on these areas will help ease the discomfort.
In cats, aloe has been used to relieve symptoms of the Feline Leukemia Virus, such as eye problems, runny nose and dry skin. Mite infections in kittens can be relieved and the gel acts as a cleaning and disinfecting property.
Taking Aloe orally has been effective in reducing swollen joints, ulcers and digestive disorders in horses. Over 90% of race horses suffer from gastric ulcers for which aloe can be a helpful addition to their care. Race horses are also prone to tendon injuries which can be treated with compresses of frozen aloe.
Aloe can be applied to skin abrasions in horses and on deep bruises on the sole of the hoof. Orally and topically, the gel can alleviate symptoms caused by allergies, fungal infections and dermatitis.
It is important to note that shop bought products will not be harmful to pets, if use as stated by the manufacturer. However, if you using the gel from a home grown plant, then make sure that only the clear gel from the centre of the leaf is used and not the area around the edges. This is white sap (latex) and can cause nasty diarrhea.
The plants should not eaten by pets and long-term internal use is not recommended. Aloe Vera does, however, remain a wonderful addition to treatment as and when your beloved family pet needs some extra care and attention.
If your pooch has a problem with plaque and cannot handle having an anesthetic at the vets, then aloe vera juice mixed with hydrogen peroxide can be applied to a piece of gauze and rubbed onto the teeth and gums. After about a fortnight, the plaque should come away and then you can better take care of your dog’s teeth.
