The complementary medicinal properties of Aloe Vera have been known for some 4,000 years. However, it was not until the 1800's that Aloe Vera first started to be used commonly in the UK for treating the diseases of animals.

In 1844, Veterinary Schools in the UK were granted a Royal Charter to become the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Aloe was so much a part in the treatment of animals that the college chose to depict Aloe Vera in its coat of arms. A Centaur - the mythical healer - is shown carrying a shield bearing an Aloe Plant.

The range of FLP Aloe Vera products can be used on animals of all types, from pet gold fish to race horses, from pet dogs to pot belly pigs. Most farmyard animals have gained benefits from the use of Aloe Vera, and it can even be used on snakes and lizards.

A recent trial undertaken at University College Northampton demonstrated that Aloe Vera Gel improves hoof growth in horses, and its wound healing properties are widely known.

Neither the products nor their ingredients have been tested on animals - a welcome sign for animal lovers everywhere.

Professionals using the FLP product range not only include Veterinary Surgeons, but also Equine Consultants and owners of Kennels & Catteries.

Uses of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can be used by the owner of an animal as a complementary medicinal herb to help a previously diagnosed condition, or as a first aid treatment, whilst waiting to see a veterinary surgeon.

Complementary medicinal herbs such as Aloe Vera should be used not as an alternative to traditional medicines, but as an additional preparation in an integrated way along side orthodox drugs. Aloe Vera is not the cure-all it was once thought to be, but used selectively, it is a very beneficial herb for many conditions involving epithelial tissues and the immune system. It is helpful with conditions affecting a number of apparently unrelated bodily systems such as:

• The Skin
  
• The Digestive System
  
• The Respiratory System

• Introduce slowly.
  
• For animals with sensitive digestive conditions, start on a low amount of the Aloe Vera Gel for a couple of days and then slowly increase to the beneficial level. The amount required depends as much on the weight of the animal as the condition you are trying to help.
• Can be added to food or water, or given directly by mouth.
  
• Skin problems benefit from the oral Aloe Vera as well as the topical preparations.
• A few skin problems look worse before they improve. This is often referred to as the healing crisis.