Typically the aloe vera gel that is advertised as like 99% pure is the gel straight from the plant in its purest form with a preservative for longer shelf life. If you have a plant, yes, you can snip a piece off and squeeze out the gel and apply it directly. The plant will go pretty quickly tho. 
Aloe can be taken internally in its purest form - used as a digestive aid. It is not toxic to dogs in its purest form I would not use the gel with the preservative ( typically alcohol) in it for dogs if they can lick the area. You can get aloe vera products suitable for consumption, like juice, at the health food store.
Never tried it for a topical joint treatment tho I have used it for skin condition and burns.
A product that I have used topically is MSM for joint issues.
Another product I just read about and posted about in the holistic section under arthirtis that looks real promising is an internal product called Dog Gone Pain
Aloe can be taken internally in its purest form - used as a digestive aid. It is not toxic to dogs in its purest form I would not use the gel with the preservative ( typically alcohol) in it for dogs if they can lick the area. You can get aloe vera products suitable for consumption, like juice, at the health food store.Never tried it for a topical joint treatment tho I have used it for skin condition and burns.
A product that I have used topically is MSM for joint issues.
Another product I just read about and posted about in the holistic section under arthirtis that looks real promising is an internal product called Dog Gone Pain
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