Details
The patented OutFox Field Guard is designed to help protect dogs’ eyes, ears, and noses from foxtail penetration while walking or running over trails or through grasses and while engaging in casual sniffing. Additionally, the Field Guard can be used to prevent dogs from scavenging and eating harmful items and to protect their faces from insects such as flies and mosquitoes.
The Field Guard is not a muzzle and should never be used as one, whether to prevent biting or chewing. This product allows for dogs to engage in activities normally, which includes picking up balls and sticks for play. Please note: Picking up balls or sticks while wearing the Field Guard will wear it out faster.
About The Manufacturer
For years, Diane Kostelec enjoyed hiking with her dogs in the open spaces and parks in the Bay Area where foxtail seed heads are prevalent during much of the year; however, with their fun and adventure came the risk of dangerous foxtail injuries for her dogs.
After her dogs’ many painful experiences of getting foxtails in their eyes, ears, and noses and after numerous trips to the vet, Diane was determined to find a way to keep her dogs safe on their hikes. She knew the solution would be something that would shield her dogs’ faces—something to act as a barrier against foxtails. Using her technical design experience, she invented the OutFox® Field Guard and made it available to the public in 2010.
Diane tested the prototypes on her dog Iris as they went on a hike during foxtail season, and though it looked unusual, Iris seemed perfectly comfortable. In fact, she was so comfortable that she ran over to the water bowl after the hike and drank right through the hood without even noticing she was wearing it! Diane was thrilled because it proved the Field Guard was comfortable and didn’t restrict Iris’s usual activities.
Though she continues to get lots of comments and curious looks from people who’ve never seen a dog wearing the OutFox Field Guard and don’t know what it is, Diane hasn’t had to take her dogs to the vet for foxtail removal since they’ve been wearing the Field Guard!
Sizing Chart
These sizes are intended for dogs with regular head shapes. For dogs with short snouts, very long hair, or very long ears, sizing may be more difficult.
Head guard should sit at the top of the neck, directly behind the ears, so that it moves with your dog's head.
| Sizing Chart | ||
|---|---|---|
| Field Guard Size | Head Length | Breed Examples |
| X-Small | 5-6.5" | Cairn terrier, Jack Russell terrier, Norwich terrier, Whippet |
| Small | 8.25-9.5" | Beagle, Border collie, Brittany spaniel, Jack Russell terrier, Shetland sheepdog |
| Medium | 9.5-11" | Australian shepherd, Vizsla, Labrador, Greyhound, Wheaton terrier |
| Large | 11-13.5" | Doberman, German shepherd, Weimaraner |
Care and Safety
After each use:
- Rinse the Field Guard with water and hang to dry.
- Remove foxtails and other debris from the mesh.
- Examine for puncture holes and other signs of damage.
- Replace Field Guards with puncture holes or noticeable wear.
- Foxtail penetration may result from misuse, including but not limited to a dog’s rough play and excessive behavior. Supervise your dog while using this product.
- The Field Guard may not function properly on dogs that exert excessive pressure when sniffing or rubbing.
- Dogs that carry or chew on objects or engage in rough play may penetrate the Field Guard with their teeth, leaving the dog vulnerable to foxtails.
- The Field Guard is not indestructible or chew-proof.
- This product is NOT a muzzle and should never be used as one.
- For general safety, do not leave a dog unattended while it is wearing the Field Guard.
