Dear Tom and Ray:
My dog is addicted to getting his lips on the air ducts on the dash of my car. He licks the vents feverishly, and he drools as a result. I told a friend that I think my dog is a Freon junkie. I think the dog is getting a boost of energy from the Freon by licking the air vent. My friend says, "No way." He says that Freon would not be coming out of the vents. This is a daily occurrence, as I take him across the highway to the soccer field to run. Do you think there is any Freon coming through the air vents?
-- Vera
Ray: No. I think the poor little guy is carsick.
Tom: Yeah. Dogs often drool when they're nauseous. Or when you dangle a pork chop in front of them. But since there are no pork chops in the vicinity, I think it's a warning sign that your puppy's stomach contents are considering a return engagement, Vera.
Ray: He's probably just trying to get the coolest, freshest air possible in hopes of trying to keep his kibble down until he gets to the soccer field.
Tom: So you can try driving a little slower or smoother. Or if the issue isn't you (like people, some dogs are more sensitive to certain drivers or certain cars), you should check with your veterinarian and get Fido the canine equivalent of Dramamine. Don't give him any human medicines, because the results could be disastrous.
Ray: Even more disastrous than cleaning dog barf off your velour upholstery. Good luck, Vera.
(Car Talk is a nationally syndicated column by automotive experts (and brothers) Tom and Ray Magliozzi. Write to them at the Car Talk website.)
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