Pet safety
Is Aloe vera toxic to dogs?
Aloe barbadensis
Yes — aloe vera is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Aloe vera as toxic to cats and dogs due to anthraquinones. Ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The latex layer just under the rind is more irritating than the inner gel.
What to do if your dog ate aloe vera
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move aloe vera out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of aloe vera to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten aloe vera, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is aloe vera toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is aloe vera toxic to dogs?
Yes — aloe vera is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Aloe vera as toxic to cats and dogs due to anthraquinones. Ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The latex layer just under the rind is more irritating than the inner gel.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats aloe vera?
ASPCA lists Aloe vera as toxic to cats and dogs due to anthraquinones. Ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The latex layer just under the rind is more irritating than the inner gel. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to aloe vera.
What should I do if my dog ate aloe vera?
Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.
Is aloe vera toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Aloe vera is toxic to cats as well. See the full aloe vera pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to aloe vera?
Good dog-safe swaps that keep a similar look include haworthia, cooper's haworthia, echeveria — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to aloe vera.
Full aloe vera pet-safety
- Is aloe vera toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is aloe vera toxic to cats?
- My dog ate aloe vera — emergency steps
- Pet-safe alternatives to aloe vera
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete aloe vera care guide
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.