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Aloe is on the ASPCA toxic list for dogs, so this is a poisoning question more than an allergy one. The ASPCA lists the toxic principles as saponins and anthraquinones, and the clinical signs as vomiting, lethargy and diarrhoea. It adds: “The gel is considered edible.”
That means the whole leaf is the problem, not just the gel. We found no primary source on exactly how much is dangerous for a dog of a given size, so we do not give a figure.
If your dog has chewed an aloe plant, call your vet or a pet poison helpline. In the US the ASPCA Animal Poison Control number is (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply); elsewhere, use your local vet or poison service.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice.
Is it an allergy or poisoning?
Dogs can react to plants on the skin, and skin reactions usually show as redness, itching, a rash or licking. That is a separate problem from eating the plant, which is the poisoning risk the ASPCA describes. We found no primary source on how common true aloe allergy is in dogs, so treat any reaction after contact or chewing as something to check with your vet.
Signs to watch for
- After eating aloe: vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy, as listed by the ASPCA.
- On the skin: redness, itching, a rash or licking at one spot.
- Call your vet if signs are severe, if they last, or if your dog seems very unwell.
What to do
- Take the plant away from your dog and take any plant out of its mouth, if you can do so safely.
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline and tell them what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
- Do not try home remedies or make your dog vomit unless your vet tells you to.
Aloe on the skin
Some people put aloe gel on a dog’s skin. We found no primary source that recommends this, and a dog may lick the gel off and swallow it. If your dog has a skin problem, ask your vet first. If you do use a product, check that it is made for pets and has no alcohol or fragrance, and stop at the first sign of irritation. Here is one aloe product we have linked before: aloe vera product on Amazon (affiliate link). Check the label and ask your vet before using it on a dog.
Keeping dogs safe
- Keep aloe plants out of reach, indoors and in the garden.
- Check pet and garden products for aloe before use.
- See our guide to stopping your dog eating your plants.
Before you go
Aloe is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA, with vomiting, lethargy and diarrhoea as the listed signs. Keep the plant away from your dog, and call your vet if it has been chewed.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are unsure, talk to your vet.
