
It’s scary when your dog is drooling in the car.
So, of course, you’d want to know why your dog does it.
Good news:
In this article you’ll discover:
- 5 real reasons why dogs drool in the car.
- When drooling in the car could be a good thing.
- 7 tips to prevent your dog from drooling during a car ride (#2 is very effective).
- And more…
Table of contents
Why does my dog drool in the car?
Your dog drools in the car because they’re either carsick or overly excited. When a dog doesn’t go for rides too often, it can make them feel uneasy. You can prevent this common issue by making sure that their stomach is empty before driving the vehicle. Frequent car rides will reduce their drooling quickly.
However, car sickness is just one of many reasons.
It could also be due to one of the following reasons:
5 reasons why dogs drool in the car
Dog drool is nothing new. That being said, it shouldn’t be a regular occurrence. Whether you’re tired of cleaning it up or worried about their health, you’re in the right place to solve the problem.
Here are the reasons that your dog drools in the car:
#1: Car sickness
Just like humans, dogs can get car sick. Motion sickness is no joke. Since they can’t see the road, they feel uneasy.
The fact that we can’t explain the problem only makes it worse. Car sickness doesn’t occur in all dogs. However, it’s important that you treat it properly.
Car sickness is often caused by swaying motions. Sudden turns and uneven driving can be an issue as well.
If your dog is drooling or their stomach is growling, you should pull over. Vomiting and dizziness are both common symptoms. Instead of cleaning up the mess, you can prevent it rather easily.
#2: Excitement

Dogs tend to drool more when they’re excited. If you don’t drive often with them, they get curious. This emotion often leads to excessive amounts of drool.
Driving to a new destination or a different vehicle can cause this effect. Thankfully, it’s relatively harmless. You can clean it up or leave towels to stop the mess in its tracks.
You’ll be able to tell if it’s simple excitement by their behavior.
Are they licking you? Or are they whining?
Your dog shouldn’t be shaking. They also shouldn’t be whining or yelping. Happy excitement is the goal.
If they’re running around and exploring the car, it’s a good sign. You know your dog better than anyone else. If they act differently, then proceed to the solutions section.
#3: They’re thirsty
A thirsty dog drools quite a bit. It’s their body’s way of asking for more water. If your dog drools all the time, this may be the cause.
It’s also worth noting that excitement enhances thirst. Their blood pressure increases. When this happens, they need more water to keep it under control. It’s not an issue if they have a steady supply.
Keep a bowl of water available near then. You could also use a water bottle to manually give it to them. Either way will work. As long as they have enough water, there shouldn’t be any causes for concern.
#4: Heatstroke could be the issue
According to Reader’s Digest, heat stroke could be the cause. When a dog experiences heatstroke, they need much more water. It’s accelerated by stress and motion sickness.
As it sets in, this health problem requires more water to lower their internal temperature. Keep the air conditioner on. Another option is to roll down the windows. Either way, don’t let them overheat when you’re driving.
Note: Try cooling down the car before they get in. This habit will keep them excited to go for rides. It also prevents heat stroke.
#5: Anxiety

If your dog’s not used to the car, it could make them anxious.
It leads to increased blood pressure, panting, and drooling. If you notice these symptoms, you can treat them accordingly.
Some dogs are more prone than others to feel anxious.
If your dog is naturally anxious, then car rides could make it worse.
Fortunately, there are quite a few tips you could try to cure the problem in the next section.
7 tips to prevent your dog from drooling during a car ride
Preventing these issues is quite easy. You don’t need to purchase anything special. Switch your habits to tame theirs. Let’s see how you can prevent drool during car rides below.
#1: Make frequent stops
Don’t drive for too long without letting your dog out. They need to be able to relax. It’s also a great way to prevent motion sickness.
Stopping the car often can be a good thing. Want to know why?
Dogs get overwhelmed by long-term, new experiences. Pulling over allows them to gather their wits. It also prevents them from swaying back and forth.
#2: Drive on an empty stomach
Before you hit the road, make sure your dog doesn’t do it right after eating. You should leave at least one hour since they’ve last eaten. Meals and treats can both cause problems.
A full stomach can cause nausea. You’ve probably heard about people saying not to swim after eating. This same principle applies to dogs and riding in a car.
When they’re moving back and forth, a full stomach can make them sick. Wait until their stomachs are empty before you hit the road again.
Note: Don’t give them snacks on the road unless the drive is longer than three or four hours.
#3: Roll down the windows
Fresh air and steady ventilation are key. Your dog will cool down. This process prevents heatstroke, thirst, and it can calm anxiety as well.
The air conditioner uses substances that can cause car sickness. Many dogs, as well as people, have experienced these side effects.
If your dog is feeling ill, roll down the window before you consider using the air conditioner.
#4: Visit the vet

The vet might be able to prescribe motion sickness medicine. If you’ve tried everything to no avail, then you could go this route.
Motion sickness meds are widely available. Low doses have been proven to make drastic differences.
According to research done with 24 beagles, the dosage of the meds and their duration could vary for different breeds.
Your dog could go from feeling sick to sleeping or enjoying the ride. The key is to give them the medicine before you hit the road.
#5: Make it fun
Never make a car ride a punishment. Yelling or shoving your dog into the car starts everything off on the wrong foot. Instead, coax them in with praise and toys.
If you’re always creating a fun environment, they’ll stay happy. Happiness reduces stress, therefore eliminating the drool problem.
#6: Drive frequently
Bring your dog with you every time you drive. If you’re able to, take them to the grocery store or to a friend’s house. The more they ride in the car, the more they’ll feel comfortable.
Not only does comfort reduce side effects, but it also promotes the aforementioned fun environment. Don’t wait too long between rides or they’ll end up feeling car sick again.
If you’re not able to bring them to these places, try this:
Drive your dog around the block every morning or night. A simple daily trip might be all you need. Once they get used to the experience, you’ll both be set.
#7: Remove clutter
Lastly, make sure your dog has enough room to move around. Small cars are often too small for a dog. They feel cramped and scared, which can make them anxious or stressed.
When there’s an open environment for your dog to move around, they can move from window to window. Allowing them to walk around is an excellent cure to drooling.
Combining all of the tips found in this section is the best course of action.
Want your dog to feel good?
Are you trying to stop the drooling?
These seven suggestions are all you need for a drool-free car ride with your dog. Good luck!