Are hedge apples poisonous to dogs?
On One Hand: Hedge Apples Are NontoxicAccording to hedge apple retailer Hedgeapple.com, hedge apples are nontoxic to pets and humans. The site compares their consistency and faint odor to that of orange peels. An Iowa State University article states that animals find hedge apples distasteful and are unlikely to eat them in the first place.On the Other: Suffocation RisksHedgeapple.com and Iowa State cite reports of livestock suffocating and dying from hedge apples becoming lodged in the throat or esophagus. The pale green fruits are 3 to 5 inches in diameter, so it is conceivable that if your large dog does attempt to eat a hedge apple, he could suffocate.Bottom LinePeople use hedge apples to repel spiders, fleas and roaches by placing them in strategic locations on, around or under the home. It is unlikely your dog will attempt to consume a hedge apple, and as they are nontoxic, risks are relatively low.
