What To Do If Your Dog Ate A Watermelon Rind
Key Takeaways
- Watermelon flesh is safe for dogs in moderation, but avoid the rind—it’s hard to digest and can cause health issues.
- Watermelon rind isn’t toxic, but its toughness can lead to blockages, choking, or stomach upset in dogs.
- Call your vet if your dog eats a large amount of rind—they may need monitoring or medical attention.
- Watch for symptoms like diarrhea, lethargy, or whimpering, which could indicate digestive distress.
- Always remove seeds and rind before feeding watermelon to your dog to keep them safe.
- The rind may also contain pesticide residue from farming, which can upset your dog’s stomach or cause additional health concerns if eaten regularly.
Watermelon can be a great snack for your dog if given in moderation but it is important to not let them eat the rind of the watermelon. We talk about this in our Can Dogs Eat Watermelon article, but in this post we will be talking about what you should do if your dog eats some of the watermelon rind. It is important to keep your dog safe as the rind can be difficult for your dog to digest.
What Happens If Your Dog Eats a Watermelon Rind?
While the red, juicy part of the watermelon is healthy for your dog, the rind can be dangerous as it can be difficult for them to digest.
Giving your dog a small piece of watermelon once and awhile can be great for providing them additional nutrients and most dogs seem to absolutely love the flavor of watermelon. But, it is important to not let your dog eat the rind of the watermelon. The watermelon rind can cause stomach pains and indigestion in your dog. The rind typically isn't thought to be toxic to dogs unless it is infected with chemicals or preservatives. However, it cause blockage in the digestive track, can be a choking hazard, cause diarrhea or an upset stomach, and lethargy when ingested.
Besides diarrhea or lethargy, dogs may also develop bloating, vomiting, or general abdominal discomfort after eating rind. This happens because the fibrous rind is slow to break down in the digestive system. If too much is eaten, it can create a blockage that may lead to severe pain, loss of appetite, and an inability to pass stool. In some cases, surgery is the only way to remove the obstruction.
There is also another layer of risk such as pesticides. Studies on fruits and vegetables, including watermelon, have found that many rinds carry traces of chemicals used in farming, such as carbofuran, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and dimethoate.
The rind is not dangerous for humans to eat, nor are seeds, but for your fur baby it can cause more than a discomfort. So when feeding watermelon to your dog as a small treat make sure you cut the watermelon away from any part of its skin.
Call Your Vet If They Eat The Rind
If you notice that your dog eats a large part of the rind of the watermelon then it is recommended that you give your veterinarian a call. They will be able to provide you with the best course of action to keep your dog safe. Once at the vet's office they can perform a physical examination to predict if your dog will have any issues digesting the rind of the watermelon. This may involve a scan to get a better understanding of your dogs digestive tract.
It also helps to mention to the vet about how the watermelon was prepared. Rinds that were not washed may have higher pesticide residue. Simply rinsing under water is often not enough, since some pesticides soak into the rind itself. Animal research published by the National Institutes of Health shows that certain pesticides can build up in the body over time and even trigger inflammation in organs.
Monitor The Health of Your Dog
After you have talked with your vet, they may recommend that you just keep an eye on your dog for any unusual behavior or signs of discomfort. If your dog is having stomach pain or digestive issues they may have diarrhea, they may whimper or whine, they may become lethargic, all of these are symptoms of digestive issues from the rind. It is important to monitor how your dog is doing the hours after they have eaten the rind of a watermelon and give your veterinarian an update.
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Final Thoughts
Watermelon flesh can be a refreshing, safe treat for your pup, but the rind should stay off the menu. If your dog does eat rind, do not panic, but keep an eye on them and contact your vet if anything seems unusual. The biggest concerns are stomach upset, digestive blockages, and pesticide residues if the rind was not washed. To keep your dog safe, stick to the juicy red part of the fruit, remove all seeds and rind, and serve it in small amounts.
FAQs
What should I do if my dog eats watermelon rind?
If your dog eats a large amount of rind, call your veterinarian. They may recommend monitoring your dog or bringing them in for an examination.
What symptoms should I watch for if my dog eats watermelon rind?
Look for signs of digestive distress, including diarrhea, lethargy, whimpering, or signs of stomach pain. Contact your vet if these symptoms appear.
Why is watermelon rind bad for dogs?
The rind is tough and hard to digest, which can lead to intestinal blockages, choking, or stomach upset.
Can dogs eat watermelon seeds?
While seeds aren’t toxic, they can pose a choking hazard or cause minor digestive issues. It’s best to remove seeds before feeding watermelon to your dog.
Can dogs eat the flesh of a watermelon?
Yes, the red, juicy part of watermelon is safe for dogs in moderation and provides hydration and nutrients. Just be sure to remove the rind and seeds first.
Should I take my dog to the vet if they eat a small piece of rind?
A small piece may pass without issue, but monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort. If they show symptoms like vomiting or lethargy, contact your vet.