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Aloe Vera Cream: Good For You, But Not For Guinea Pigs
Human beings share a lot of bodily similarities to the little tailless bundle of fun we know as guinea pigs - but the use of aloe vera cream is not one of them. Both human beings and guinea pigs are the only mammals that cannot naturally produce Vitamin C and have to eat it in order to avoid being very sick. Similarities in digestion, kidney and liver functions have made the guinea pig a big target for medical research to benefit people. It's only fair that guinea pigs, after having done so much for us, should be taken care of best as possible.
Recent Discovery
Aloe vera cream has been a very popular topical ointment for people and pets in the last thirty years. Aloe vera is a naturally growing, very distinctive plant that contains sap with soothing medicinal properties. Aloe vera of varying percentage can be found in gels, creams, lotions and beauty products. Aloe vera juice is even touted as a healthy and tasty drink.
When people discover something good for them, inevitably somebody gets desperate enough to try it on their pets. Unless the animals are livestock, not much was known about the minute details of proper veterinary care for dogs and cars, let alone exotic pets like guinea pigs. As late as the 1990's, aloe vera cream was used to help promote hair growth on bald patches or for wound healing in guinea pigs.
By the turn of the millennium, it was discovered conclusively by guinea pig owners (and not by vets) that guinea pigs were allergic to any aloe vera product. This is a mild allergen, whish is why it took so long for anyone to realize the connection. When new hair begins to grow on bald patches or when scar tissue forms, it tends to feel itchy, so the guinea pig will scratch. However, aloe vera products make a guinea pig scratch too much and reopen the wounds or open up bald patches.
What Pets Can Use It?
Besides any human "pets" in your household, aloe vera cream has medicinal benefits for dogs, horses and cats. Besides the mild allergic reaction guinea pigs get from any aloe vera product, rabbits feel it even worse. Just nibbling on an aloe vera leaf is enough to kill a rabbit. Keep aloe vera products, especially the plants themselves, far away from rabbits!
The jury is still out as to whether aloe vera products such as aloe vera cream are alright for very small rodents like hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats. Some pet owners swear by aloe vera products for their pets - some swear at them. The latest theory is that some small animals within the same species react well to aloe vera products - and some not. You need to keep a very close eye on any pet if an aloe vera cream or product is used.
Human Guinea Pigs
Although it is rare, there some people who also share the guinea pig's allergies to aloe vera creams or other aloe vera products. None of these allergic reactions have shown to be lethal - but highly annoying. Even prolonged use of aloe vera products can produce hives or eczema-like itchy patches on the skin.
If you know you have an allergy to the allium family (the onion family, which also garlic and chives) then the chances are really good that you are also allergic to aloe vera and thus should avoid any products made from them. If you know that you have an allergy to tulips, then the chances are also pretty high that you will be allergic to any aloe vera product as well.
Nothing on this site should be acted upon without professional advice. Articles are not professional advice and should not be treated as such.