Why
Watermelon is about 92% water and low in calories, making it a good hot-weather snack. It also provides vitamins A and C.
The seeds and the tough green rind can cause stomach upset or an intestinal blockage, especially in small dogs.
What to watch out for
- Seeds: remove them or choose seedless
- Rind: do not let your dog chew it
- Loose stools from eating too much
How to serve it
- Cut the red flesh into small cubes and remove all seeds.
- Freeze cubes for a cooling summer treat.
- Skip watermelon candy and flavored products.
How much?
A dog can have a few cubes of watermelon at a time.
My dog swallowed some seeds or chewed the rind. Is that a problem?
A few swallowed seeds are unlikely to hurt a medium or large dog. The concern is quantity and size. Many seeds at once, or a small dog eating them, raises the chance of an upset stomach or a blockage. The pale, soft seeds in seedless watermelon are not a worry.
Rind is harder to digest. A dog that gnaws off and swallows chunks of it may vomit or get diarrhea. Keep an eye on your dog for a day or two and call your vet if there is repeated vomiting, refusal to eat, belly pain, or straining to pass stool.
Frozen watermelon for hot days
Watermelon works well frozen. Cube the seedless flesh, freeze the cubes on a tray, and hand out one or two after a walk. You can also blend the flesh, pour it into an ice cube tray, and freeze. Some owners freeze a spoonful of plain yogurt into each cube, but skip that if dairy gives your dog loose stools.
Treats like this are a nice extra, not a way to keep a dog hydrated. Fresh water and shade matter far more in hot weather. If your dog is panting heavily, drooling, weak or stumbling, cool them down and contact a vet, because heatstroke can become serious quickly.
What about cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon-flavored products?
Other melons follow the same rules as watermelon. The flesh is fine in small amounts. Take off the rind and scoop out the seeds. Cantaloupe is a little higher in sugar, so keep portions modest.
Watermelon-flavored products are a different story. Candy, gum, sorbet and flavored drinks contain sugar and very little real fruit. Sugar-free gum and candy may contain xylitol, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar in dogs. Keep them out of reach.
Common questions
Is watermelon good for dogs?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Watermelon is about 92% water and low in calories, making it a good hot-weather snack. It also provides vitamins A and C.
Is watermelon bad for dogs?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: seeds: remove them or choose seedless.
Are dogs allowed to have watermelon?
Yes. Cut the red flesh into small cubes and remove all seeds.
Sources
Topic references
General care and safety
If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).