[HiTech RedNeck]

Shout out to Vet Vet Doug: is this a common problem with pooches that loll their heads in the wind? Their eyes dry out and ulcerate? Would something like a petrolatum based ointment help head that off, short of keeping the dog from poking its head out into the wind?

[Salamander]

You doubt my word?

5 minutes on Google could’ve gotten you *tons* of “professional advice” and no, sticking ointment in their eyes won’t help.

The sticky ointment could actually ‘catch’ larger pieces of dust and debris causing further damage.

Sorry you don’t trust me.

http://www.thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/safe-car-trips-dogs/

http://micheljayne.hubpages.com/hub/Pet-Wellness-Driving-Safety-Dont-Be-Brainless

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/the-danger-of-driving-with-dogs/page1.aspx

http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-eye-care-explanation.html

http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/ailment/cats-dogs-dry-eyes-remedies.html

http://www.petsclan.com/5-risks-driving-dog.html

http://www.mypetsdoctor.com/pets-must-not-ride-in-drivers-laps

Bottom line is, *if* you care about your dog, keep your dog’s head inside the car.

If you really need empiric evidence, ride a motorcycle with no windshield and no eye protection at 65mph for a little while.

Let me know how that works out for you.

[Salamander]

Feel like gambling with your dog's eyes?

[vetvetdoug]

The dog’s natural ability to secrete tears and lubricate the eye should suffice to keep the eye moist when they are hanging their head out the window. No different than a motorcyclist that doesn’t wear eye protection. The danger is if a bug hits the eye and causes ulceration. I don’t see any problems from dogs hanging their heads out of the windows in dogs that have normal tear production.