Why Do Dogs Drool in the Car? 5 Ways to Prevent It

If you've ever taken your dog for a drive, you may have noticed them starting to drool excessively as soon as they get into the car. Dog drool can quickly become a nuisance as it drips everywhere and creates a mess. But why does my dog drool in the car? Here are 5 common reasons dogs drool in cars and tips for stopping it.

What is Drool?

Drool, also known as sialorrhea, is the production of excessive saliva in the mouth that then drips out. All dogs naturally produce saliva to help digest food and keep their mouth and throat lubricated. But certain situations can trigger their salivary glands to go into overdrive.

When dogs start panting and salivating more than usual, the extra saliva overflows out of their mouth as drool. Though common causes like excitement and car rides are harmless, excessive drooling can also indicate a medical issue like nausea, oral pain, or a neurological condition in some cases.

Reasons Why Dogs Drool in Cars

1. Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is one of the most common reasons for dog excessive drooling in the car. The movement from riding in a car can trigger nausea, dizziness, and discomfort in dogs prone to travel anxiety or car sickness. And nausea often leads to extra saliva production and drooling. Closing the windows, avoiding abrupt stops/turns, and distraction techniques can ease motion sickness.

1. Excitement

Many dogs start panting and salivating heavily in anticipation of a fun car ride. This is common among some of the breeds. They know from experience that getting in the car often leads to exciting outings like going to the park. Their enthusiasm and eagerness then manifests as drooling. Making car trips a more regular routine can help decrease all that excitement drool.

1. Stress and Anxiety

While some dogs associate car rides with fun adventures, others may only experience car travel when going to unpleasant destinations like the vet. This can cause anxiety, fear, or nervousness that exhibits itself through behaviors like panting, whining, and drooling. Using calming aids like light pressure wraps and pheromone sprays can ease their stress.

1. Overheating

Enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like cars can quickly overheat, especially on hot sunny days. Dogs aren't able to cool themselves as effectively as humans in high temperatures. Heat stress and panting from discomfort leads to excess salivation and drooling. Leaving adequate air flow, bringing water to offer, and never leaving dogs alone in cars prevents overheating and reduces drooling.

1. Nausea from Smells

Strong fumes from chemicals, cigarette smoke residue, and air fresheners used in cars can also trigger nausea and drooling in some sensitive dogs. Driving with the windows down, removing fragrance sources, and using pet-safe cleaners can help minimize offensive odors to relieve car sickness related drooling.

Tips to Prevent Drooling in the Car

Here are some tips to help limit and manage all that slobbery drool during car rides:

• Walk your dog before getting into the car to burn off some energy and excitement.
• Give your dog a chew toy or snack like a teething stick to help preoccupy them.
• Purchase a chew-proof dog hammock, mat, or cover to protect your seats.
• Have plastic zip bags, rolls of paper towels, and cleaning wipes on hand.
• Use calming supplements like melatonin or gentle pressure wraps.
• Try an anti-nausea medication recommended by your veterinarian if motion sickness is the main cause.
• Never feed your dog right before a drive, especially a winding or long one.
• Invest in high quality seat belts or secure crates to create a safe space.
• Maintain good ventilation by rolling down windows and avoiding direct sun exposure.
• Schedule regular short, positive car trips for errands to desensitize anxious dogs.

The Occasional Drool Drop is Normal

A small amount of drooling is typical for excited or anxious dogs in any situation. So, an occasional drool drop in the car while your dog looks out the window is no big deal. But excessive drooling, especially combined with symptoms like whining, pacing, vomiting, or lip licking likely indicates an underlying issue need addressing. Some preparation, prevention tactics, and clean up assistance will keep you from pulling up to destinations covered in slobber.