Dachshund Travel List

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from road trips with Harvey whether it’s weekends in Orange, coastal escapes to Port Stephens, or cool mornings in the Blue Mountains, it’s that dachshunds require their own suitcase. Forgetting even a “small” item like a water bowl or blanket can unravel the smoothest of journeys. Dachshunds thrive on routine, and when you’re travelling, their familiar comforts and essentials make all the difference.

The American Kennel Club notes that packing correctly for pets reduces stress and prevents common travel issues like dehydration, upset stomachs, or anxiety. For dachshunds, it’s about more than just food and water; it’s about protecting their backs, keeping them calm, and making sure nothing interrupts their carefully kept routine.

This guide brings together the ultimate dachshund travel packing list, built from real-life lessons with Harvey. It’s designed to keep your dachshund safe, happy, and comfortable — whether you’re road tripping, flying, or simply heading out for a weekend getaway.

Packing for a dachshund isn’t about throwing a few things into a bag, it’s about preparing for all the quirks of the breed. From their long backs to their stubborn toileting habits, dachshunds travel best when you anticipate their needs. Over the years, I’ve built a checklist from trial and error. The time I forgot Harvey’s blanket on a Newcastle trip, he barked at every noise in our cottage until I found a towel that would do. The time we left behind his harness in Mudgee, we had to buy a cheap replacement and the difference in comfort was obvious. Now, we don’t leave without ticking off every box.

The non-negotiable starting point for dachshund travel is safety. Whether you’re on a road trip or preparing for a flight, a secure carrier or crash-tested harness is essential. Carriers protect their backs and reduce movement in the car. Harnesses are a good alternative for short journeys, but only if they’re crash-tested and well-fitted.

Dachshunds are sensitive to sudden diet changes, so always pack measured portions of their regular food in sealed containers. Don’t rely on finding the same food at your destination. A portable, non-spill water bowl and bottled water are also key, some dogs resist unfamiliar-tasting tap water when away from home.

Bedding & Comfort

Dachshunds love their comforts. A familiar blanket or their usual bed will help them settle at night in a strange environment. Bedding also makes their travel carrier more inviting. For Harvey, bringing his fleece blanket transformed his first long trip to the Southern Highlands — he went from restless to calm as soon as he smelled “home.”

Accidents are inevitable. Always pack more waste bags and wipes than you think you’ll need. I also carry a small spray cleaner for cottages and rentals, it saves awkward conversations with hosts if an accident happens indoors.

A dachshund-specific first aid kit should include:

• Basic bandages and antiseptic wipes.
  
  
• Tick and flea prevention (especially for bush areas like Mudgee).
  
  
• Any prescribed medications (e.g., for back or joint support).
  
  
• Vet contact info for your destination.
  
  

Older dachshunds may also need joint supplements or pain relief packed carefully in their travel kit.

Travel can be boring for dachshunds if all they do is sit and wait. Pack a mix of toys:

• A chew toy for stress relief.
  
  
• A puzzle toy for downtime at your accommodation.
  
  
• A tug toy for light play during breaks.
  
  

Avoid squeakers during travel itself — they’ll keep you awake long before they tire your dachshund out.

For Harvey, packing isn’t about excess, it’s about security. The more familiar and prepared we are, the smoother he travels. Having his food pre-portioned, his blanket folded in his carrier, and a backup leash in my bag has saved us countless headaches. It also means I can focus on enjoying the trip rather than worrying about what we’ve forgotten.

Dachshunds are not just travellers — they’re emotional companions. They thrive on routine, familiarity, and closeness with their family. When that changes on the road, anxiety often creeps in. Packing the right comfort items is just as important as food or safety gear. These small touches can transform a restless journey into a calm one.

I learned this on a trip to the Southern Highlands with Harvey. We had packed his food, water, and harness, but left behind his fleece blanket. That night, every creak of the cottage set him off barking. The next trip to Mudgee, I remembered the blanket, and it was like flipping a switch. He sniffed it, curled up, and finally settled as though he were back at home.

Nothing reassures a dachshund more than the smell of home. Always pack:

• Their regular blanket or bed.
  
  
• A spare for the carrier during travel.
  
  
• A towel for muddy paws or unexpected rain.
  
  

Even when everything else feels new — from hotel rooms to outdoor noises — that familiar scent signals safety.

Travel can mean long stretches of waiting, and dachshunds need something to occupy themselves.

• Chew toys relieve anxiety and support dental health.
  
  
• Puzzle toys work well for downtime at accommodation.
  
  
• Tug or fetch toys are good for short bursts of play at rest stops.
  
  

On our Newcastle trip, Harvey spent half an hour chewing his rope toy after the drive — it helped him release energy without overexerting his back.

Dachshunds are prone to both overheating and chills. A small travel wardrobe goes a long way:

• Light jumpers for cooler mornings.
  
  
• Rain jackets for wet stops.
  
  
• Cooling vests or mats for hot weather.
  
  

Harvey has worn his rain jacket more times in the Highlands than I’d like to admit, but it’s saved us from soggy, restless evenings.

Some dachshunds need an extra layer of support. Options include:

• Pheromone sprays or wipes (can be used inside carriers).
  
  
• Calming chews (vet-approved, often with chamomile or L-theanine).
  
  
• Snuggle toys with a heartbeat sound (useful for puppies).
  
  

These are especially helpful for dachshunds prone to separation anxiety.

For Harvey, it always comes back to routine and familiarity. His fleece blanket, a chew toy, and a little reassurance from me are enough to calm him in almost any new place. Without them, he’s restless, alert, and anxious. With them, he can finally relax and that means we can enjoy the trip too.

Perfect — let’s close the Dachshund Travel Packing List with Life Stage Packing Needs, FAQs, and the More from This Series block, so it ties neatly into the rest of the cluster.

Just as dachshund travel routines change with age, so do their packing requirements. A puppy’s kit looks different from a senior’s — one filled with chew toys, the other with joint support and extra bedding.

On Harvey’s first trips as a puppy, we packed extra wipes and chews to keep him busy. Now, as an adult, his essentials are more about comfort and routine pre-measured food, his fleece blanket, and his favourite rope toy. I know when he’s older, his kit will shift again: medication, extra bedding, and gentler routines. The list evolves, but the principle is the same  pack for the dachshund you have today.

Explore more guides in our Dachshund Travel Series:

• Traveling with a Dachshund
  
  
• Dachshund Travel Carrier Guide
  
  
• Flying with a Dachshund
  
  
• Dachshund Road Trip Guide
  
  
• Dachshund Travel Packing List

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.