I’m still pretty new to the west coast and got my first reality check about foxtails when I had to take my dog to the emergency vet. He’d been rolling around in some tall grass during our hike and started sneezing nonstop.
I had no idea these little plants could cause so much trouble, and of course my dog loves to roll on everything he sees. I’m looking into trying this field guard (OutFox Field Guard – OutFox For Dogs) to keep him safe, but I’m a bit worried he might not like wearing it, especially since it seems like I can’t give him treats with it on.
Has anyone here had any success introducing something like this to their dog? Any tips to help keep him safe from foxtails without making him too uncomfortable?
I know a lot of hunting dog owners in CA who use these, especially for breeds like vizslas, and I haven’t really heard any complaints about the dogs having issues with the guard. Most dogs don’t seem to notice it after a while, and they’re able to drink and carry things with it on.
If your dog doesn’t mind things going over his head, you might try introducing it somewhere he already loves, like a favorite park or trail. That way it’s not such a big deal to him.
From what I’ve seen, the more we fuss over things like this, the more the dogs get weird about it.
I totally get it. I was out in a field playing fetch with my dog when he suddenly started sneezing like crazy. When he ran over, I could see the tip of a foxtail poking out of his nose.
I went to pull it out, but he inhaled at the last second, and it disappeared. I had to rush him to the vet, and after $200, they got it out. After that experience, I try to avoid areas with tall grasses.
One scare was all it took for me to be extra careful.
@JamesHenry
Yes, I’m feeling pretty traumatized after my emergency vet visit too (mine was over $500 – thank you, inflation). Aside from the cost, my dog really hates the vet, which makes me anxious as well. Now I feel like I’m spotting foxtails everywhere we go.
You might try using something similar at first so your dog can get used to it. I’ve seen people use mesh bags and cut holes for treats. It can help with getting them comfortable before using the real guard.
@Vincent
Please keep all advice here in the forum so everyone benefits. Private messages aren’t as helpful and make it harder for mods to check for bad advice.
shanty said: @Vincent
Please keep all advice here in the forum so everyone benefits. Private messages aren’t as helpful and make it harder for mods to check for bad advice.
Oops, my bad. Thanks for the reminder. Anyway, my advice is to go slow. Let your dog set the pace, and try to stop before he gets uncomfortable. Practicing with a similar object like a mesh produce bag can be helpful to get him used to the feeling.
