Run Free. Worry Free.
Face Protection for Dogs
Field Shield helps protect your dog's eyes, nose, and face when running through fields with foxtails and blackberry thorns.
Foxtails can lodge in a dog's eyes, ears, and nose and even migrate under skin. Learn more at PetMD.
How it works
Protective translucent nylon
Durable, breathable mesh helps shield from grass awns and thorns while maintaining airflow and visibility.
Collar‑mounted, quick on/off
Attaches to your dog's collar with waterproof 550 cord—secure in motion and useful in an emergency.
Built for movement
Lightweight design aims to protect without getting in the way. Supervised use recommended.
Why Field Shield Matters
Foxtails and other grass awns pose a serious risk to dogs running through tall grass. Understanding these dangers helps you protect your companion.
What Are Foxtails?
Foxtails are seed-like structures found at the tops of grasses, widespread throughout North America. They have sharp, pointy tips and barbed edges designed to burrow forward—never backward. This unique shape allows them to continuously move deeper into tissue once embedded.
Where They're Found
Foxtails thrive in all but 7 U.S. states and are most dangerous from late spring through early fall. You'll find them along hiking trails, roadways, open fields, and even backyards. In western states like California, they can exist year-round.
States with fewer foxtails: Hawaii, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina (due to high humidity and swampy conditions).
How They Harm Dogs
Foxtails can lodge into your dog's paws, ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. Once embedded, they carry bacteria and can migrate internally—even reaching the brain or lungs. This can cause painful infections, abscesses, or pneumonia requiring emergency surgery.
Common Dangerous Grasses & Seeds
These grass species all produce barbed awns that can harm dogs. Learn to identify them in your area:
Canadian Wheat Rye
Also called Canada wild rye, produces long awns with sharp barbs.
Timothy Grass
Common pasture grass that can develop seed heads with small awns.
June Grass
Widespread prairie grass with needle-like seeds that embed easily.
Green Foxtail
One of the most common and dangerous foxtail varieties.
Cheatgrass
Invasive annual grass with particularly aggressive barbed awns.
Giant Foxtail
Large variety of foxtail with especially prominent seed heads.
Warning Signs Your Dog Has a Foxtail Injury
In Paws
- Constant licking between toes
- Limping or favoring one paw
- Swelling or discharge between toes
In Ears
- Head shaking and tilting
- Pawing at the ear
- Redness and discharge from ear
In Nose/Inhaled
- Frequent sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Repetitive coughing or gagging
In Eyes
- Pawing at a red, swollen eye
- Eye discharge
- Squinting or light sensitivity
Sources: Information compiled from expert veterinary resources including the American Kennel Club and Preventive Vet.
Sizing & fit
Available in Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. The design is adjustable; measure from the bridge of the nose to behind the ears and note neck circumference to choose the closest size.
- Material: translucent nylon mesh (black)
- Attachment: 550 paracord to collar
- Care: rinse with warm water; air dry
- Price: $29.99 USD
Order Field Shield
Ships from Lake Oswego, Oregon 97034. US shipping $4.95 flat; free over $50.
FAQ
Can my dog breathe and see?
The translucent mesh is breathable. Supervised use is recommended to ensure comfort and visibility for your dog.
Why Field Shield? What about other products on the market?
We tested other face protection products on our German Shorthaired Pointer during real sporting activities. The existing options were either uncomfortable for the dog or not durable enough for serious field work. Here's what we found:
Testing existing product comfort and fit
Durability testing in field conditions
Field Shield was designed specifically to address these shortcomings—combining comfort, durability, and protection that sporting dogs need in real field conditions.
Will Field Shield stop foxtails completely?
No product can guarantee total prevention. Field Shield is designed to help reduce risk when used properly. Always inspect your dog after outdoor adventures.
Learn how to check your dog: Watch this helpful video on "How to check your dog for foxtails" for proper inspection techniques.
Care instructions
Rinse with warm water and allow to air dry.
Returns and warranty
30‑day returns for new/unused items; 90‑day limited warranty against manufacturing defects. See Returns for details.
Shipping and packaging
USPS, flat $4.95. Ships in protective envelopes sized one step up from the product size:
- S ships in 5 × 7 in envelope
- M ships in 8 × 10 in envelope
- L ships in 10 × 13 in envelope
- XL ships in 16 × 20 in envelope