Can dogs eat watermelon?

The pink flesh is the part to share. The green rind is tough and can cause stomach upset or, if a big piece is swallowed, a blockage. Mature black seeds can also add up to a blockage in a small dog. The pale, soft seeds in seedless melons are generally fine.

Cut the fruit into cubes of about 2 cm (under 1 in) for small dogs and 3 to 4 cm for larger ones.

Frozen watermelon cubes are a popular way to help a dog cool down during a heatwave. You can also purée seedless flesh and freeze it in an ice cube tray. A medium dog might enjoy four to six cubes on a hot afternoon.

Watermelon is a supplement to fresh water, never a replacement for it. Keep the water bowl full and in the shade.

Although it is mostly water, watermelon contains natural sugar. Large amounts can cause diarrhea, and dogs with diabetes should only have it with their vet's agreement. Watermelon sweets, candies and flavored drinks have nothing in common with the fresh fruit.

Most watermelon problems happen at summer gatherings, when dogs find discarded rinds on the grass or in open bags. A dog can swallow a large chunk of rind in seconds. Collect rinds into a lidded bin as you go, and ask guests not to share their slices. A few prepared cubes handed out by you are safer.