Did You Know That This Common Household Plant in Lubbock is Extremely Toxic to Dogs?

It may be surprising to hear, but a common plant that you may have in your house right now is highly toxic to dogs, so listen up.

This Plant is Great for Humans... Bad for Dogs

The Aloe vera plant has been used to treat burns and other ailments across history. Standing the test of time, many households still contain one of these plants for medicinal purposes.

Aloe vera gel found within the plant's leaves can do wonders for reducing inflammation and calming burns on the skin. In fact, there are a myriad of products designed for natural healing comprised mainly of this versatile plant.

Lubbock residents know all too well how popular Aloe vera plants are, given that you are always within a stone's throw of a store that sells them. So, it's more important than ever to know the risks of allowing your pets, particularly dogs, to eat them.

How Toxic Are Aloe Vera Plants for Dogs?

According to Pet MD, dogs who ingest the white sap found within aloe vera plants can immediately suffer gastrointestinal irritation. The risks are so profound that it's actually advised that you contact your veterinarian as soon as you learn that your dog had a taste of this common houseplant.

Some common symptoms of Aloe vera poisoning in dogs include the following:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle tremors
• Depression

Another common symptom is a noticeable change in the color of your dog's pee from yellow to red (spooky).

The good news is that there are many aloe-based products that don't contain the toxic white sap, so your biggest threat is the Aloe vera plant itself sitting on your windowsill or shelf. It's just up to you to keep those curious canines away!