A slice of juicy watermelon is a delicious treat on a warm day, and many of us like to share our treats with our dogs. While we know that our canine friends can eat watermelon flesh, what about the rest? Can dogs eat watermelon rind? Let’s find out!
Can dogs eat watermelon rind?
No, it is not a good idea to feed watermelon rind to your dog.
While the flesh of watermelon is a refreshing and healthy snack for dogs, the rind should not be fed to them. This can be a big problem, as many dogs will love to chew on a piece of watermelon rind!
The problem with watermelon rind is not that it is toxic to dogs, but that it is very difficult to chew and digest. It can take a very long time to pass through the digestive system and may cause some serious complications along the way.
Another problem with watermelon rind is that the fruit is likely to have been sprayed with a variety of chemicals. The rind may contain residual amounts of toxic pesticides which can be harmful to dogs.
What are the signs of toxicity?
Eating watermelon rind will not induce toxicity in dogs, but they can suffer from some unpleasant and uncomfortable gastrointestinal problems. This is due to the tough, indigestible fiber contained in the rind of watermelon.
The common signs of problems in dogs that have eaten watermelon rind include bloating and indigestion. This can be very painful for your dog, and he may develop other symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Dogs also struggle to chew watermelon rind effectively, and they may swallow larger lumps which can cause them to choke. These larger pieces of rind can potentially cause a blockage in the digestive tract.
What to do if my dog ate watermelon rind?
If your dog ate a large piece of watermelon rind, it is a good idea to contact your veterinary clinic. Although the watermelon rind is not toxic, it can cause uncomfortable digestive problems for your dog.
Your veterinarian may request that you take your dog to the clinic for a full examination, or suggest that you monitor the dog at home. You should watch carefully for symptoms of gastrointestinal pain and discomfort, such as bloating, inappetence, or lethargy.
As the effects of eating watermelon rind may not be immediate, you will need to monitor your dog for several days. A good way to assess the health of the digestive system is to keep a close eye on your dog’s fecal output.
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