Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: July 4th, 2018

Can dogs eat watermelon? Find out if your pet can enjoy the sweet summer fruit or should you avoid treating them to a juicy watermelon wedge.

Most people spend summer days feasting on the bounty of fruits and veggies that are in season- and one of the favorites is watermelon. There’s nothing better than having a slice of this sweet, juicy fruit on a hot summer day, but should you share it with your four-legged bestie? Can dogs eat watermelon, or is it best to avoid giving them this fruit?

The short answer is yes; dogs can eat watermelon. Of course, you shouldn’t just give them a wedge and call it a day- there are, after all, some precautions you need to take before giving your dog watermelon. When served properly, watermelon is, like all dog-friendly fruits, a fabulous healthy treat. Packed with vitamin and nutrients and high in fiber, watermelon is low in calories- a winning combination. This means that, given occasionally, this yummy fruit can be a perfect alternative to calorie dense store-bought dog treats. Ideal for dogs who are trying to get that bikini bod on fleek… or, you know, just want to keep it healthy!

Read on to find out more about can dogs eat watermelon with or without seeds and rinds, how to properly give your pooch this fruit, and, most importantly, if feeding them watermelon has any benefits- besides being incredibly delicious.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Are There Any Benefits?

Fortunately for pooches, watermelon is on the list of dog-safe fruits. The only real question is can dogs eat watermelon without completely pigging out, and I believe you already know the answer to that one. Since dogs are not picky when it comes to eating, (in fact, they’d actually benefit from being choosier about their foods), it’s up to you to serve them the right amount of the fruit and in an appropriate form.

When it comes to watermelon, this means adequately cleaned of seeds, without rinds and in serving that is appropriate for your dog’s size. Small dogs shouldn’t have more than an equivalent of one slice, while bigger dogs can indulge in a bit more of this fruit- in any case, you shouldn’t let them have too much. Even if it doesn’t upset their stomach, you’ll have to take them out to pee every half an hour!

Apart from being delicious, watermelon is also beneficial for your pet’s health. Watermelon is vitamins A, B6, and C, and potassium. These vitamins and minerals support your pet’s immune system and make sure their health stays in top shape (of course, combined with a well-balanced, healthy diet). In addition to these essential nutrients, watermelon has an incredibly high water content (92 percent), and it will help your pet stay hydrated and refresh them during summer heats.

Additionally, if you have a pet that’s obese but you’d still want to give them a treat from time to time, fruits, (especially watermelon) are an excellent choice! This mouthwatering treat is also low in calories, and it won’t be tipping your pet’s scales anytime soon, so reward your pet with some yummy, fresh watermelon.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rinds?

Is it OK if your dog got a hold of some watermelon rinds? Yes and no. While, technically, there isn’t anything in watermelon rinds that makes them toxic to dogs, it’s still not a great idea to give them to your pet. The dense rind can be quite difficult to digest, and it can cause serious stomach upset, especially in overly sensitive dogs. So, while nothing will probably happen if you caught your pooch stealing a bite or a few of watermelon rinds, you shouldn’t habitually allow them to eat watermelon rinds- after all, it’s better to err on the side of caution!

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds?

Similarly to watermelon rinds, watermelon seeds should not be fed to dogs, although they don’t contain any toxic substances. The reason why dogs shouldn’t eat watermelon seeds is that they can be a choking hazard and cause intestinal blockage. Smaller dogs, in particular, are susceptible to this, as a smaller amount of seeds is needed to cause issues. Regardless of your pooch’s size, you should avoid giving them watermelon with seeds in it, and stick to either seedless versions of the fruit, or manually pick out the seeds before giving it to your four-legged companion.

Are There Any Risks to Feeding Watermelon to Dogs?

Although watermelon is not dangerous for dogs and doesn’t contain any potentially harmful substances, overindulging in this sweet fruit could cause issues. Too much of a good thing can be bad, especially when it comes to eating! If you get carried away with the serving size, it’s probable that your pet will get diarrhea, or even vomit. Dogs are not the most reliable judges when it comes to deciding how much food is too much, and it’s highly likely that they’d eat watermelon until they get sick of it.

To prevent any mishaps, limit the amount of the fruit you’re giving to your dog. If it’s their first time tasting watermelon, give them a bite or two, to see how they’ll react. If their tummy is not upset by it, increase their dose according to their size- big dogs can have a few slices, but small breeds shouldn’t have more than roughly a cup of chopped seedless watermelon. Otherwise, things might get real poopy real fast!

How to Serve Watermelon to Your Dog

By now, it’s obvious that you shouldn’t wonder can dogs eat watermelon- the real question is how to serve this delectable fruit to your four-legged companion. Considering the way pooches tend to live for moments when they get to gobble something up as fast as canine-ly possible, you’d think that having to consider how to serve them something would be ridiculous, but with watermelon, it’s more about safety than it is about manners.

If you’d just let your pooch munch on a wedge of watermelon as it is, not only that they’d be eating watermelon seeds (which they shouldn’t), but they’d probably just move on to nibbling on the rind as well. Not to mention the mess they’d make doing it!

Unless you want sticky floors and/or carpets and stained furniture, don’t give your dog watermelon inside the apartment. Rather, save that treat for a beach picnic or let them gorge on it outside, if you have a fenced yard. Of course, that’s if we’re talking about plain ol’ watermelon, de-seeded, sliced and cubed for your pupper’s pleasure. But that’s not the only way your pet could get to enjoy the iconic summer fruit. For a special, refreshing treat, you can always freeze watermelon cubes and pop them out when you want to reward your doggo.

Additionally, you can check out our fab Frosty Watermelon Dog Treat recipe, if you’re in the mood for making something special for your furry baby. While these frozen treats look super fancy and taste amazing (if you believe our four-legged taste testers), they’re quite easy to make. All you need is watermelon without seeds, pureed and mixed with coconut water and a tiny bit of honey. Pour the blended mixture into some cute silicone molds- preferably bone-shaped ones, because, ya know, pooches- and let freeze. As simple as it gets!

If you’re curious about more dog-safe nom-noms, including other fruits, veggies, and more, take a look at our food section for more information.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?

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Can Dogs Eat Peas?

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Can Dogs Eat Oranges?

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Why Is My Dog Licking and Chewing His Paws?

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Study Reveals the Most Expensive Locations for Pet-Friendly Airbnbs

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Is a Cat Tree Necessary for My Cat?

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How Do I Manage My Dog's Separation Anxiety When I'm At Work?

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It’s no secret dogs are nosy – especially when they suspect food is involved. They’ll have no problem jumping on the counter, digging through trash, or “sneakily” stealing stuff off your coffee table if given a chance. Not only that this type of behavior can be really irritating for the owner, but it is also downright dangerous. Dogs can easily swallow something that could cause serious health issues – a tiny object that can cause choking, a hazardous chemical, or some human food that is poisonous to them. In either of these cases, the owner should be prepared and alert as acting quickly is crucial when your pet eats something that they shouldn’t have. But what exactly do you need to do if this happens? What is the course of action to help a dog who ingested something they simply should not? Let’s go over it.What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't: Step By Step ExplainedIf your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, it's important to act quickly. Every second counts in this case so don’t panic even if that’s your first instinct. Going into panic mode never helps and can only make things worse. Instead, try to assess the situation and figure out what has been ingested so you can act accordingly. Here are some general guidelines to follow, but keep in mind that you should always consult with your veterinarian for advice tailored to your specific situation.It is imperative to stay calm. It's understandable to feel scared and panicked, but it's crucial to stay composed. Panicking can make it difficult to think clearly and take appropriate action. Take a deep breath, strengthen your resolve and act.Always try to identify the substance or item ingested, if it’s possible to do so very quickly. This information can be helpful for your veterinarian to provide accurate advice. Do you notice any small objects missing? Any open containers or something similar? Quickly try to find the clues.It goes without saying that it is always crucial to call your veterinarian immediately. Provide them with details about what your dog ingested, the amount, and any symptoms your dog is experiencing. After all, they are professionals who know how to deal with these situations in an efficient manner and will give you the guidelines suited to your situation.Keep in mind not to induce vomiting. Inducing vomiting can be dangerous in some situations and should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian. Certain substances or items can cause more harm if brought back up. Unless instructed otherwise, don’t do it.Disperse with the panic and fears, and follow the advice of your veterinarian to the letter. Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions based on the substance ingested. Follow their advice carefully, whether it involves inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or other measures.It is important to monitor your dog and their behavior. Keep a close eye on them for any changes in behavior, signs of distress, or dangerous symptoms. Be prepared to provide this information to your veterinarian. Sometimes, nothing will show at first, but could later on. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend immediate action, such as going to an emergency veterinary clinic. Follow their advice promptly, or if you see that your dog is in danger, do so as fast as possible.

Study Reveals a Link Between Mental Health and an Attachment to Pets

We have all been told at one time or another that our pets are good for our mental health. But have you ever stopped to consider how your mental health could also impact the attachment bond you form with your pet? Could your attachment to your pet hurt your mental health?These questions and more were the inspiration behind a new study out of the University of Helsinki.Rather than focusing solely on the benefits of dogs and cats to our mental well-being, researchers went a step better. The goal was to better understand how the relationship we form with our pets could have an impact both on us as well as on the pets themselves. They also dug into how an owner’s attachment style could impact the care they provide and our pet’s behaviors.The research team collected information from approximately 2,500 pet owners and 3,300 pets to gather the necessary data. This included:Personality traits (of owners, dogs, and cats)Owner mental well-being ratingsUnwanted behavior traitsOther potential influences, like children in the householdAttachment stylesIn terms of the relationship, they looked specifically at two types of insecure attachment – anxious and avoidant. Anxious attachment refers to owners who desire to have their pets nearby and are concerned about the risk of losing their pets. On the other end of the spectrum, avoidant attachment refers to pet owners concerned about losing their personal autonomy and, as such, seeking a higher level of independence.The study found that cat owners with lower mental health ratings demonstrated anxious attachment to their feline friends. However, dog owners with similar mental health ratings were split between anxious attachment and avoidant attachment.Interestingly enough, there was a clear division between the attachment styles when categorizing the relationships based on a dog’s mental well-being and potentially “unwanted” or “problem” behaviors. Dogs who demonstrated aggression or ADHD-like behavior were more likely to have avoidantly attached owners, while dogs who demonstrated fear-related behaviors were often connected to anxiously attached owners.What does all this mean? By recognizing the connection, we can better understand how personality and attachment styles can influence one another.For example, if a dog owner demonstrates avoidant attachment, they may not provide the security a dog desires in a potentially threatening situation. As a result, the dog may develop aggression. However, it is also possible that a dog’s aggressive response may contribute to an owner’s need for space and independence from the behavior and its impact on their daily activities.“What made this project unique was that it involved dogs, cats, and owners alike,” explained Professor Hannes Lohi. “We need a deeper understanding of the connections between owners and pets and the associated factors so we can, for example, help people make better decisions when obtaining a pet. It’s important to acknowledge that obtaining a pet while experiencing poor mental well-being may not necessarily meet the expectations of improving it.”Not only is this a big step forward in helping people make educated decisions about pet ownership, but it could also provide valuable guidance for trainers and behaviorists when dealing with unwanted behaviors.

What You Need to Know About XL Bully Ban

American XL Bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year after numerous attacks were reported across the United Kingdom. The term "XL Bully" typically refers to a type of  American Bully breed known for its muscular build and larger size compared to standard American Bullies. These dogs are often selectively bred for their size, strength, and temperament, so while they are not inherently aggressive, they have the means to do some damage if they are reared to be dangerous.The ban has owners of bully breeds across the UK scared and confused, so here’s what you need to know about the details of this edict. Starting from December 31st, all XL Bullies will have to be kept on a lead and have a muzzle while in public. What is more, from this date it will be completely illegal to advertise, breed, sell, exchange, gift, or abandon or let stray any XL Bullies. In short – it is a decisive strike against this breed, as announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, earlier this year.Furthermore, a complete ban on people owning XL Bullies will come into force in the UK from February 1st, 2023. This had owners scared that their pets would have to be put down just because of their breed, but, luckily, that’s not the case. If the owner applies before the end of January, with the wish to keep their pet. With that, the household will receive an exemption certificate, but it will also have to comply with a very strict set of rules related to the breed. UK government department Defra has announced that it received more than 4,000 exemption applications so far and that a “majority” were approved. Their spokesperson said that “ "The majority of applications are successful and the majority of successful applicants are receiving their certificates in less than a week."This only supports the assurances that there will be no “forced” euthanization of these dogs. However, those people that do not apply for an exemption by the end of the deadline, will have to put their XL Bullies down. They will be granted £200 to cover the costs of a vet euthanizing their dog. Rescue and rehoming organizations can claim £100 per animal for the same purpose. The government's website states "the euthanasia must be performed by 31 January 2024" for these financial claims to be successful. Sadly, because of this new law, at least 246 XL Bullies will be put down in the coming period, as their owners did not apply for an exemption, or were not granted one. American XL Bullies are not the first dogs to be banned in the UK. Several breeds were banned in the past, and owning them is now completely illegal. These breeds include the  Pitbull terrier,  Japanese Tosa,  Dogo Argentino, and  Fila Brasileiro. Owning a banned dog breed can get you in plenty of trouble, specifically an unlimited fine and a six-month prison sentence. 

New Study Reveals Dogs Can Sniff Out Neurodegenerative Diseases

We all know that doggos have incredible noses and a superb sense of smell. It is tens of thousands of times stronger than our own. This makes us wonder – what secrets can such a sense of smell unveil? Many scientists consider the canine sense of smell a great potential to enhance human lives thanks to its accuracy. And that is exactly what was unveiled in a recent study published in “bioRxiv”, by researchers Samuel V. Johnston and Lisa Holt from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Thanks to their efforts, and the incredible abilities of doggos, it was revealed that our four-legged friends have the potential to detect neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease is a terrible condition, affecting primarily seniors. What is even worse is that this disease has many difficulties in diagnosis, which prevents doctors from accurately identifying the disease in the early stages. But the breakthrough study could change all that! Thanks to doggos and their powerful noses, we could be on the brink of completely changing the way Parkinson’s is diagnosed. “Dogs have an extraordinary olfactory capability, which far exceeds that of humans. Dogs’ sense of smell seems to be the main sense, allowing them to not only gather both current and historical information about their surrounding environment, but also to find the source of the smell, which is crucial for locating food, danger, or partners for reproduction.”  writes Agata Kusiak, from the Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University. “Dogs can be trained by humans to use their olfactory abilities in a variety of fields, with a detection limit often much lower than that of sophisticated laboratory instruments.”Utilizing this remarkable sense of smell, scientists trained 23 dogs of different breeds and backgrounds, to successfully differentiate between samples of both Parkinson’s-positive individuals and Parkinson’s-negative individuals. The results were more than successful, with the dogs showcasing 86% sensitivity and 89% specificity in distinguishing the samples. In many ways, this is a revolutionary study and opens new doors and new possibilities in medical diagnostics. What is even better, it offers new hope for the timely detection of Parkinson’s disease. However, it is important to note that the study is still in relative infancy, and is still awaiting peer review. But the potential here is incredible. If validated, the study could help improve patient outcomes, and help with early diagnosis of this troubling disease.

Neutering Rottweilers May Shorten Their Lifespan, Study Finds

Increased lifespan is often cited as one of the main benefits of neutering a dog. But is that true? A recently published study found neutered Rottweilers may have a shorter lifespan than their intact counterparts. Neutering is a commonly performed surgical procedure that prevents unwanted puppies, controls the pet population, and eliminates certain health problems in dogs. It offers significant health benefits, such as reduced risk of pyometra and mammary tumors in female dogs. However, in recent years, concerns have been raised about the possible side effects of neutering. A recent study aimed to shed some light on this topic by comparing the lifespans of neutered and intact male and female Rottweilers. Scientists analyzed available clinical records of 3,085 intact and 4,100 neutered Rottweilers from July 1994 to June 2021. These records were collected by VetCompass Australia. The analysis provided surprising results. Scientists discovered that Rottweilers that were neutered before one year of age had a shortened lifespan of one-and-a-half years in males and one year in females when compared to intact Rottweilers. The analysis showed similar results for dogs neutered before the age of four-and-a-half years. “Most other studies have found that neutering dogs increases their longevity but ours is the first that went against that,” said Dr. Caroline Joone, the study’s lead author and senior lecturer at James Cook University in theriogeneology. “It was a bit of a shock when that wasn’t what we found,” Dr. Joone added. “We were fortunate with the data we had because we could determine when a dog was desexed and when they died.” Despite the study’s findings Dr. Joone strongly encourages owners to neuter their four-legged companions to prevent unwanted litters, as well as, serious health issues. “There are serious consequences for not neutering a dog, such as the risk of life-threatening uterus infection known as pyometra, mammary tumors, and unwanted puppies,” Dr. Joone explained. At this time, it’s unclear whether there is an ideal age to neuter a Rottweiler that doesn’t influence their lifespan. The study also highlighted several factors that could affect the lifespan of any dog, including nutrition, exercise, health care, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors. These factors may be reduced by screening for genetic health conditions. Selecting healthy breeding pairs may also help reduce the occurrence of hereditary disorders and support longevity. Let’s not forget that overweight dogs have a shorter life span than lean dogs. “There’s a strong suspicion that the reduced lifespan is more to do with weight issues than the neutering itself, so I would encourage owners to go ahead and neuter their dog but make sure you keep it at a good, healthy weight.”Dr. Joone explained that a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining a healthy weight in neutered dogs.Do these findings apply to all neutered dogs or just Rottweilers? Scientists aren’t sure yet but plan to extend their research to other popular breeds, such as golden retrievers and greyhounds, to determine whether these results are widely applicable. The role of weight gain post-neutering and other underlying causes of reduced lifespan in neutered dogs are worth investigating further. Additionally, this study also showed that the time of neutering a dog may affect its lifespan. Dogs are often neutered between six months and one year of age, but mounting evidence has suggested that this may not be the best time to neuter a dog. Based on this analysis, neutering Rottweilers early, especially before the age of one, reduces lifespan, highlighting the importance of determining the optimal neutering age. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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