I posted as my GSD has problems with thinning coate and sore skin under armpits. My vet has recommended adding Aloe Vera gel to their food as a general tonic coat/skin conditioner. I am really happy to use a natural product, and am interested to know whether anyone else has used it in this way and the results?

Thanks
Kat

I put Aloe Vera gel directly on to a hair loss patch on my Whippets tail.  It had no effect at all.  My friend used it for a similar purpose on her horse and it worked great. 

We use aloe vera straight from the plant on cuts, burns, sore patches, sunburn, blisters - you name it we've aloed it - and it always has amazing results.

I keep an aloe vera plant in the kitchen to use the sap on cuts, blisters, burns etc, on my granny's recommendation (!) and it works a treat. I haven't needed to use it on the dogs, but I'm sure it would work well. I'd use it directly onto the skin myself though, that's what I do to me!

Hiya,
I have always used Aloe on my skin and it's great, a word of warning though if you use it for a long time internally it can cause permanent loose bowels and it's not proven to work when you eat it anyway. Have you tried adding some oily fish to his diet (like makerel) to see if that does anything?

Sarah

Thanks

He has omega 3 capsule added to food already

Kat

My bitch has been receiving treatment for a mild case of pyoderma which is recurring in her case :(  We are finally seeing an improvement in her and she has come off the anti-biotics which she has been on more or less constantly for about the last 5 months.  As part of her treatment, the vet recommended a high dose of fish oils (3 x 1000mg daily).  This is the brand my vet recommends as he has seen some good results in the past with these.  Vitamin E should always be given along with fish oils. 

I should add that mine is a giant breed but as it's not possible to overdose on fish oils or Vit E, then 'dose' shouldn't be an issue although you should check with your vet of course if you are in any doubt.

Hope you find something that helps :)

I always find mixing a little seaweed powder in the food is good and the new "idea" seems to be liquidised raw spinach, very good for itchy poor coats.

Thank you all

Will be trying some of the suggestions. I didn't know about the vit E with fish oils - I haven't given with vit E, could this caus e  any problems?
Kat

Fish oils deplete the body of Vitamin E, therefore it is necessaey to supplement when giving fish oils.  Lokk for a vitamine E supplement that states that it is natural as opposed to synthetic.  I use this one.

Thanks Shaynola,
Just about to place an order with them anyway (just received latest catalogue which reminded me!), so will get some vit E, who knows, that might be the problem??

Kat

Maybe. It can't hurt anyway ;)

As well as an improvement in her skin condition, I've noticed a huge improvement in my girl's coat too since she's been on the high dose of fish oils. Not that it was in bad condition before but now it's just ultra shiny and healthy looking...everyone comments on it :)

I always find this confusing as I have seen Aloe Vera on the dogs poison list, I guess that must be because of the loose bowels.

I thought aloe vera gel was only to be applied topically,not ingested. I know you can get aloe vera juice,and even this is not recommended to give to dogs regularly as it can irritate the gut lining.
Kat what type of aloe vera did your vet recommend to give internally?

I have an aloe plant growing in a pot in my back garden that i apply topically to just about Everything,it really is a wonder cure for most any superficial skin ailment,but i would never,ever give it in my dogs food.

It was brilliant for my, ahem, rear end.....post surgery....

Ooh I will get my OH buy some as I am in for an Op tomorrow and hate being constipated :rolleyes:

OOH OOW,  I do hope there is no constipation......if your op is anything like mine was that is the last thing you need! (piles dear)
Karen

:D :D oh dear I have had that done and a 'smooth exit' was what the Doctor ordered :D

Reply to Ktee

It is forever living aloe vera gel (drinking) at 30ml a day.
Kat

Here's a link to it, it is for humans.

http://www.natural-alternative-products.co.uk/forever-living-aloe-vera-gel-1-litre-p-78.html?currency=GBP

Kat

There does not seem to be much science in support of it but the good news is

>Tolerability was good and all reported adverse effects were reversible.

so no harm in trying it :)

My vet recommended us using it for one of my girls when she had cystitis during her first season.  We've used it ever since (3 years) on all of our girls without any problems.....and no more cystitis!