Dear Tom and Ray:

My dog does not ride in the car well. He salivates and sometimes foams at the mouth. On occasion, he will bark at something when his mouth is foamed up. The car's interior then looks like the inside of a winter souvenir globe. He is a good dog, and we would like to take him on trips or around town. What can you offer as help? -- Gary

P.S. Don't suggest trading in the dog. As far as my wife is concerned, I will go before the dog does.

RAY: The poor guy is carsick, Gary. Dogs will salivate a lot like that when they're nauseated. So actually, if all that's been sprayed on the inside of your windshield so far is saliva, consider yourself very lucky!

TOM: We spoke with veterinarian Dr. Linda Siperstein about your case. She said if he's a puppy, he might grow out of his carsickness. But if he doesn't, or if you're not willing to keep cleaning your upholstery until he does, you should ask your own vet about anti-nausea medication for Rover.

RAY: There are a number of medications that vets can use to treat carsickness in dogs. But Dr. Siperstein warns you not to experiment on your dog with human medicines. While some "drugstore" medicines will work for dogs in the proper doses, some human medicines are extremely toxic to dogs.

TOM: For instance, Tylenol and Advil can poison your dog. I bet you didn't know that.

RAY: I didn't. But I also don't know how to tell when my dog has a headache.

TOM: After spending a couple of hours with you, probably. Anyway, Gary, check with your vet about medicines to help Rover with his carsickness. Then everybody will be happier during car rides.