Can Westies Eat Watermelon? Or Other Melons?

Watermelon is a favorite delicacy not only for owners of West Highland Terriers, but also for their faithful four-legged friends. If you treat the animal's nutrition responsibly, then the question arises: how safe is this sweet delicious berry for small dog of hunting breed? It is also interesting to find out if there is any benefit from watermelon for the pet.

Opinion of veterinarians

It is important to note that there is no consensus among professionals on this issue. Some veterinarians believe that the increased sugar in watermelon slices can harm Westie's body. Other specialists are more loyal and speak in favor of using this product as a treat for a pet. As with other controversial issues, the truth is in the middle. The general opinion is that some amount of watermelon will not harm Westie. It can be a pleasant seasonal addition to the main diet.

However, small slices of treat can be given to a dog only if there are guarantees of safety for the animal. It is also desirable that there is some benefit from the use.

The use of watermelon pulp for Westies

Watermelon contains a huge amount of useful minerals, protein products and vitamin complexes. Among them:

• сarotene;
• iron;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• phosphorus.

Watermelon is valuable for its diuretic properties. They are provided by the presence of potassium salts in the composition. With regular use in small quantities, the normalization of the dog's kidneys improves. There is a natural cleaning of the kidneys from accumulated sand.Watermelon helps protect the animal from the appearance of urolithiasis.

Folic acid has a good effect on blood composition. It restores optimal hemoglobin levels.

Is it possible to cause harm?

If you are planning to feed your West Highland Terrier for the first time with such a treat, it is better to consult a veterinarian. Many experts believe that it is both possible and necessary to feed a dog with watermelon.

But there are some limitations:

1. Do not give your pet watermelon peel.
2. Thoroughly peel the watermelon pulp from the seeds. They should not get into the dog's esophagus.
3. Remove any and all watermelon seeds before feeding a slice to your Westie.
4. You should not give Westie too much treats.

In general, it is possible to include such sweetness in the diet even if the animal eats exclusively dry food. There will be no harm! At the same time, it should be taken into account: veterinarians recommend giving juicy watermelon pulp only as a treat that the dog deserved after training or as a reward for good behavior.

The volumes should not exceed the standard daily allowance of fruits and vegetables put to the dog. Of course, the owner must take into account the size and body weight of the individual. Meat and cereals are the main diet for a normal dog. All the other products are delicious and sometimes useful supplements.

Warning

The pulp of the berry contains a large amount of fructose. It should be understood: there is a high concentration of fructose in the sweet, juicy pulp. The body of Westie is built in such a way that it does not digest sugar. Accumulation of excess can worsen the quality of blood. So give watermelon to your dog occasionally and know the measure.

Is it possible to feed Westie with crusts and seeds?

The owner of West Highland Terrier should know that it is strictly forbidden to give watermelon peels to a pet. Various harmful microorganisms can accumulate on the surface. Harmful nitrates and other toxic substances can persist. The composition of the solid part of the berry is completely useless. At the same time, sharp stubs can cause injury to the esophagus.

Before feeding, cut the ripe pulp into small slices and carefully remove the seeds. It is not recommended to give watermelon seeds to Westie, they can also accumulate carcinogens.

The dog can be poisoned by the product in two cases:

1. The composition exceeds the permissible rate of nitrates.
2. An immature or overripe, spoiled berry in which harmful carcinogens have accumulated.

At the first symptoms of poisoning, you should do the following:

1. Rinse Westie's stomach. To do this, you need to give your pet a lot of drink. It can be a large amount of warm water. You can make a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
2. Veterinarians advise to give the dog a sorbent. It can be activated carbon. The dosage should be calculated as follows: 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight.

If the dog does not get better during the day, the pet should be taken to the veterinarian for examination.

Сontraindications

It is pointless to make watermelon the cause of any diseases of your pet. It is necessary to visit a veterinarian regularly, maintain a balanced diet and daily routine. Besides, you should put all the necessary vaccinations. This will avoid most problems with the dog's health.

But we must remember that it is theoretically possible to get poisoned with watermelon. The first reason is a low–quality product. A mass stuffed with nitrates will not benefit anyone, including the fragile digestion of Westie.

When owners should not give their pets slices of watermelon:

• pregnant Westie;
• small puppies;
• patients with pancreatitis;
• when the presence of kidney stones is detected;
• individuals suffering from diseases of the genitourinary system.

Sweet watermelon pulp is contraindicated in diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, urolithiasis.

Recommended amount

Do not give watermelon to animals in large volumes. The portion size is set individually and depends on the body weight. It is enough for West Highland Terriers to get a few small pieces during the day.

How to give watermelon to the dog:

• the berry should be well washed before slicing;
• the pulp must be separated from the crust;
• the seeds should be carefully removed;
• the delicacy should be cut into portions of 2-3 cm.

During the first feeding, it is necessary to monitor the appearance of allergic reactions. If Westie starts scratching or sneezing, the watermelon does not suit him.

Veterinarians recommend waiting 1.5-2.0 hours after the main meal. Watermelon should be perceived by animals as a treat that must be earned.

Sometimes watermelon can cause diarrhea due to the increased fiber content in the product. If signs of stomach upset appear, feeding the animal with watermelon should be stopped immediately.

What about other melons

As for melon, it is necessary to feed Westie with this product with caution. At the first feeding, you can give the dog 2-3 pieces of melon without seeds and peel. It is necessary to pay attention to the condition of the dog and to the normal functioning of the digestive system.

You can feed Westie with melon two times a week. It can be done only during the ripening period of the berry. If you freeze pieces of melon and watermelon, it will be possible to feed the animal with favorite delicacy throughout the year. It is important to make sure that the dog's teeth are not too sensitive to cold. Pieces of melon and watermelon can be frozen with natural yogurt. The delicacy will turn out even more useful and tasty.

If a pet refuses a treat, you should not force it. Often Westies, guided by the internal reflexes of the body, understand what products they need at the level of instinct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is watermelon good for a Westie dog?

Watermelon has many useful elements, minerals and vitamins. But in any case, it is better to consult with your veterinarian so as not to harm your four-legged friend.

Feeding A Piece Of Watermelon To A Westie Without Peel Nor Seeds

Feeding A Piece Of Watermelon To A Westie Without Peel Nor Seeds

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