If your pet has diarrhea paired with vomiting or loss of appetite, this is considered an “ORANGE” – or urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet visit your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within the next 12 hours. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you!
If your pet has acute diarrhea without vomiting, this is considered a “YELLOW” – or semi-urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet evaluated by your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within 24 hours. Call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you, and if your pet’s condition worsens, call the team back to inform them of the status change.
Most people are aware of common plants that can harm their pets like lilies and tulips, but a little-known plant that can cause your pet to get sick is aloe vera. Both the plant itself and products made with the plant, such as gels and lotions, can cause symptoms in dogs and cats. So, think twice before placing that cute potted aloe vera plant in your living room or leaving out that bottle of aloe vera gel after applying it to your sunburn.
The Danger
Aloe vera plants contain compounds called anthraquinone glycosides and saponins, which are the compounds found in latex. When eaten, these compounds stimulate the GI tract to encourage more rapid bowel movements by increasing mucus production in the small intestine and large bowel and increasing the amount of water in the colon.
This can lead to diarrhea, and occasionally vomiting, which can cause significant dehydration in pets. The severity of diarrhea depends on the amount of aloe your pet consumed and their size, but the loss of water and electrolytes can cause:
- Stomach cramping
- Loss of appetite
- Mental depression
- Changes in blood pressure
- Lethargy
Treatment
If your pet has eaten part of an aloe vera plant or products containing aloe vera and you are not sure if veterinary treatment is necessary, we recommend consulting with a pet poison hotline such as ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 so they can help you decide the best course of action.
For pets experiencing severe diarrhea and displaying signs of dehydration, contact your family veterinarian or local animal ER.
There is no direct antidote to counteract or bind the toxic substances in aloe. Instead, the goal of treatment is to prevent further symptoms such as nausea, dehydration, and diarrhea. This often involves fluid therapy, nausea control medications, and a bland diet to help settle your pet’s stomach.
Keep your pets safe by moving aloe vera plants and products out of their reach. Before bringing any plants into your home, always check ASPCA’s Plant Guide to determine if the plant is toxic or non-toxic to your pet.
More Reading:
- The Benefits of Toxicology Hotlines for Pets
- Dealing with Diarrhea in Pets
- Four Common Houseplants that are Toxic to Cats and Dogs
