Katie’s Groom Room

22/07/2026

Interesting read. 🙂

🍉 WHY I’M FEEDING MY DOG WATERMELON THIS SUMMER

Watermelon isn’t just a refreshing summer treat—it’s packed with nutrients that can benefit your dog’s health. 🐶❤️

Here are a few reasons it’s one of my favorite seasonal snacks:

🍉 💦 It’s about 92% water.
Perfect for helping your pup stay hydrated during hot summer days.

❤️ 🫀 One of nature’s richest sources of L-citrulline.
Dogs use citrulline to help support healthy circulation, heart health, and mobility. Canine studies have found this pathway is altered in certain heart diseases, highlighting its importance for cardiovascular health.

💧 🩺 Can help reduce bladder stone–forming crystals.
A small peer-reviewed canine study found that dogs given a watermelon extract beverage had fewer calcium oxalate and struvite urine crystals after 3 months. These crystals are the building blocks of many bladder stones.

🛡️ 🍅 Rich in lycopene.
Watermelon is one of the richest fruit sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage.
👀 🥕 Packed with beta carotene:
This Vitamin A precursor supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function.

🍉 🤯 Here’s a fun fact:
The white rind (just beneath the green skin) actually contains more L-citrulline than the pink flesh. While most dogs won’t enjoy chewing the rind, it’s where much of this unique amino acid is naturally concentrated.

🐶 How much watermelon can dogs eat?

Watermelon should be an occasional treat. A good rule is to keep treats under 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

A practical serving guide:

🐾 Under 10 lb (4.5 kg): 1–2 small cubes
🐾 10–25 lb (4.5–11 kg): 2–4 cubes
🐾 25–50 lb (11–23 kg): ½–1 cup
🐾 Over 50 lb (23+ kg): 1–2 cups

✅ remove seeds and the tough green rind, which can be difficult to digest.

21/07/2026

21/07/2026

Please be vigilant. I have heard of 2 separate cases of Parvovirus in Huddersfield. One being reported on Yorkshire Live. Please see below.

21/07/2026

🪷 This big guy finished his chemo and is finally back with us for a pamper session 🪷 so lovely to see this gentle boy 😊

14/07/2026

🐾🦠 Leptospirosis: Protect Yourself & Your Pets
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and people. It can cause mild flu-like symptoms or lead to serious illness involving the kidneys, liver, lungs, or brain if left untreated.

How is it spread?
The bacteria are spread through the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, dogs, livestock, and wildlife.

Infection can occur through:
💧 Contact with contaminated water, mud, or soil.
🐶 Exposure to the urine of an infected animal.
🚶 The bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Dogs are at risk when they:
🐾 Drink from puddles, ponds, or stagnant water.
🌿 Walk or play in contaminated mud or floodwater.
🐀 Come into contact with infected rodents or wildlife.

Signs of Leptospirosis

In people:
Flu-like symptoms ⚠️ Severe cases may cause jaundice, kidney failure, breathing difficulties, or meningitis.

In dogs:
🐕 Fever
😴 Lethargy
🍽️ Loss of appetite
🤮 Vomiting or diarrhea
💧 Increased thirst or urination
💛 Yellowing of the eyes or gums (jaundice)
⚠️ Kidney or liver failure in severe cases.

Can dogs spread it to people?
Yes. Infected dogs can shed the bacteria in their urine, which can infect people. Good hygiene, prompt veterinary treatment, and avoiding contact with urine reduce the risk.

How to Prevent Leptospirosis
✅ Vaccinate your dog
✅ Prevent dogs from drinking stagnant or flood water.
✅ Avoid contact with floodwater or potentially contaminated water whenever possible.
✅ Wear waterproof boots and gloves when working in wet or muddy environments.
✅ Cover cuts and scrapes before exposure to water or soil.
✅ Wash your hands after handling animals or cleaning up urine.
✅ Keep your home and surroundings clean to help control rodents.
✅ Seek medical or veterinary care promptly if you or your dog develops symptoms after potential exposure.

❤️ Leptospirosis is preventable and treatable.
Awareness, good hygiene, rodent control, vaccination, and early treatment help protect both people and their pets.