Can small dogs eat watermelons safely? If you are a big watermelon fan and your small dog is just like you, then you are in luck.
You can feed your pooch watermelon, but like everything else, it is important to give them it in moderation. Exercise caution when feeding your small dog this delicious treat, especially if they have a sensitive digestive system.
Watermelons have the sweetest flavor, especially when ripe, and can provide your dog with a great deal of potassium and vitamin C. And because watermelons have such a high level of sugar, you may find that it is difficult for your dog to resist the temptation to eat more.
In fact, there are many studies that suggest that watermelon may help dogs who suffer from hyperactive behavior, depression, and anxiety.
Check with the veterinarian
Before ever giving your dog any watermelon, I would advise you to check to see if it’s okay with your dog’s veterinarian.
Do not give seeds
Do not feed seeds to your dog because it can cause intestinal blockage especially in smaller dogs.
High in vitamins
Not only is it sweet and delicious, but it also has many vitamins and minerals that will aid your pet in their daily activities. Watermelon is high in antioxidants, which help to protect the body against free radicals. They are also known to help prevent cancer.
Anti-oxidant
Watermelon is also rich in chlorophyll, which is an anti-oxidant that helps to remove harmful toxins from the blood. This is important for the body because it ensures that the body is receiving all the nutrients it needs. It also acts as a diuretic, helping to cleanse the body of toxins.
Digestive tract problems
You can feed your canine their favorite watermelon, but it is best to limit the amount that they consume in small chunks. Because the water is extremely sweet, your pooch is likely to gulp it down without even knowing it.
This can be bad news for their digestive tract, especially if their digestion system is not up to par. This will make it more difficult for them to digest the watermelon and the health benefits of the fruit will be wasted.
Not good for overweight dogs
Small Dogs that are overweight should be careful about eating watermelons. Many of these fruits have a lot of calories and can easily exceed the daily recommended amount. If your pet is already over the recommended number, you may want to wait until they are smaller before feeding them a single bite of watermelons.
Small Dogs who are overweight often have problems with digestion and should not be given watermelons as treats. As the weight increases, dogs will tend to eat more food, and they will be more prone to constipation.
Never give the rind
Small Dogs love to chew on anything. Watermelons are no exception. When chewing on the peel of the fruit, they can be damaging its insides, which can lead to an infection or intestinal blockage.
Healthy treat
There are some foods that can cause diarrhea in dogs, but watermelons are not among them. Watermelons are a healthy treat for dogs and can actually benefit them greatly. If you have a fussy pooch, then you should give them the sweet treat as often as possible.
Too much is no good
Small Dogs love watermelon, but it can be detrimental to their health if they get too much of it in their diet. If your dog consumes too much watermelon, they may experience diarrhea or vomiting, which can damage their teeth.
Energy booster
It is good for dogs to get exercise. Watermelon is a natural energy booster, and they should drink plenty of water and fresh, clean water throughout the day.
Avoid giving it to dogs with liver and kidney problems
As a general rule of thumb, avoid giving watermelon to dogs with liver problems, as well as dogs with kidney problems. If you suspect your canine may have a watermelon allergy, consult with your veterinarian.
They will usually be able to tell you whether the dog can eat it. Watermelon for dogs is a great treat for all dogs. Just be careful and follow the proper protocol.
Conclusion
Watermelons can be great treats for your dog. They are good for your pet, but you need to be careful about what you feed them. You may want to give them a small portion of the fruit instead of a whole fruit. If you give too much watermelon, your dog could experience bloating and vomiting or an upset stomach.
