Dachshunds bring enormous personality in a compact package, making them popular travel companions. However, their unique body shape requires special consideration - protecting their long backs while still providing adventures. With thoughtful planning, Dachshunds can enjoy wonderful holidays that keep them safe and happy.
Understanding Dachshund Travel Needs
Breed Characteristics
What Makes Them Great Travellers:
- Compact size (easy transport)
- Big personality
- Adaptable nature
- Enjoy new experiences
- Generally sociable
- Good in accommodation
Critical Considerations:
- Long spine vulnerable to injury
- Jumping and stairs risky
- Exercise needs moderate
- Can be stubborn
- Prone to weight gain
- Back problems common (IVDD)
The Back Issue
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Dachshunds are prone to spinal problems. Travel planning must protect their backs.
Risk Activities:
- Jumping on/off furniture
- Stairs
- Rough play
- Jumping in/out of cars
- Uneven terrain
Best Destinations
Ideal Dachshund Destinations
Flat Terrain: Gentle landscapes protect backs while allowing exercise.
Perfect options include the flat, easy walking of Norfolk with its year-round beaches and gentle terrain, or the peaceful waterways of the Norfolk Broads where towpath walking provides level ground throughout.
Gentle Coastal: Beaches work well when access is easy.
The Suffolk Coast offers accessible beaches with good facilities, while parts of Dorset provide beach access without challenging terrain. Northumberland's empty beaches often have gentle access points perfect for small dogs.
Countryside Without Hills: Rolling countryside rather than mountains.
The Cotswolds villages offer gentle walks between pretty settlements, and the lowland areas of Yorkshire provide variety without extreme terrain.
Destinations Requiring Caution
Challenging Terrain: Some destinations need careful route selection.
The steep fells of the Lake District require choosing lower-level walks carefully, while Snowdonia and the Scottish Highlands demand sticking to gentler routes. Dartmoor and Exmoor have rocky terrain that needs navigation.
Not Impossible: These areas can work with appropriate walk selection - just avoid the challenging summit routes and stick to valley walks.
Exercise Needs
Daily Requirements
Moderate Exercise:
- 30-60 minutes daily typically
- Two shorter walks often better than one long
- Quality over quantity
- Mental stimulation important
On Holiday: Don't overdo it. Dachshunds will keep going but shouldn't be pushed to exhaustion.
Activity Ideas
Suitable Activities:
Beach Walking: Excellent on flat sand. Avoid deep, soft sand that's tiring. Many beaches featured in our Beach Holidays guide work well.
Gentle Countryside: Level paths, easy terrain. Perfect for Dachshund adventures.
Village Exploring: Town and village walks provide interest without demanding terrain.
Pub Walks: Short walks between welcoming pubs - ideal Dachshund activity. See our Pub Walks guide for ideas.
Activities to Avoid:
- Long mountain hikes
- Very rocky terrain
- Steep climbs and descents
- Excessive jumping activities
- Rough dog play
Back Protection on Holiday
Critical Precautions
Preventing Injury:
Car Travel:
- Use ramp for getting in/out
- Never let them jump
- Crate or secure properly
- Support during travel
See our Travel Essentials guide for equipment recommendations.
Accommodation:
- Prevent jumping on/off furniture
- Consider blocking sofas/beds
- Dog steps if allowing on furniture
- Ground-floor sleeping
On Walks:
- Avoid steep terrain
- Carry over obstacles if needed
- Don't let them jump down from heights
- Supervise carefully
Equipment
Essential for Dachshunds:
- Car ramp (essential)
- Dog steps for furniture
- Supportive harness (not collar)
- Comfortable, supportive bed
Include these in your packing checklist.
Accommodation
What Works
Essential Features:
- Ground floor or lift access
- No stairs to navigate
- Easy garden access
- Space for dog bed on floor
When booking accommodation, specifically ask about stairs and levels.
Ideal Options: Ground-floor cottages with enclosed gardens work perfectly. Holiday parks often have level, accessible units.
Managing Indoor Spaces
Furniture Jumping:
- Bring dog steps
- Or block furniture access
- Create comfortable floor space
- Be consistent
Night Time: Floor-level sleeping is safest. Bring a supportive orthopaedic bed.
Travel
Car Journeys
Safe Car Travel:
- Ramp for entry/exit (never jumping)
- Crate or secure harness
- Comfortable position
- Regular breaks
Dachshunds generally travel well once safely loaded. Follow advice in our Travelling with Dogs guide.
Train Travel
Excellent Option: Small size makes train travel easy. Can sit on your lap or floor. No jumping issues if you lift them.
Carrying
When to Carry:
- Over obstacles
- Up/down steps
- In/out of vehicles (or use ramp)
- When terrain gets difficult
Proper Lifting: Support both front and back - never lift by front legs alone. Keep spine straight.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer
Benefits:
- Good weather for walks
- Beach season
Considerations:
- Don't overheat (low to ground = near hot surfaces)
- Avoid hot pavement
- Early/late walks in heat
- Shade essential
See our Summer guide for hot weather management.
Winter
Benefits:
- Enjoy cooler weather
- Good walking conditions
Considerations:
- Coat may be needed (especially smooth-coated)
- Low ground clearance in snow
- Keep warm and dry
See our Winter guide for cold weather tips.
Rainy Days
Dachshunds often dislike rain. Plan rainy day activities and bring a waterproof coat for them.
Social Aspects
With Other Dogs
Generally Sociable: Most Dachshunds enjoy other dogs, though some can be feisty.
Watch For:
- Rough play (back risk)
- Larger dogs being too boisterous
- Jumping and wrestling
Meeting People
Friendly Nature: Usually good with people. May bark initially.
Health on Holiday
Back Health Monitoring
Watch For Signs of Problems:
- Reluctance to walk
- Crying or yelping
- Hunched posture
- Difficulty moving
- Dragging legs (emergency)
If Concerned: See our Emergency Vet guide - know where to find help.
Weight Management
Critical for Backs: Extra weight stresses the spine. Don't overfeed on holiday. Maintain healthy weight.
Accommodation Types
Best Options
Ground-Floor Cottages: Self-catering with garden. No stairs. See regional guides like Norfolk Cottages or Cornwall Cottages.
Accessible Hotels: Dog-friendly hotels with ground-floor or lift-access rooms.
Glamping: Often single-level. Glamping options can work well.
Avoid
Problematic:
- Multi-level cottages without ground-floor bedroom
- Steep stairs
- Access requiring steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dachshunds go on long walks?
Moderate walks are fine. Avoid excessive distances. Two shorter walks better than one marathon.
Are beaches good for Dachshunds?
Yes, flat sand is excellent. Easy access needed. Avoid very soft sand that's tiring.
What about stairs at accommodation?
Avoid if possible. If unavoidable, carry your Dachshund. Don't let them climb stairs regularly.
Can Dachshunds manage hiking holidays?
Gentle hiking only. Choose flat terrain. Avoid mountain destinations unless selecting very easy routes.
Should I bring a ramp?
Yes, essential for car access. Prevents jumping which risks back injury.
What if my Dachshund has existing back problems?
Consult your vet before travel. Choose very gentle destinations. Extra precautions throughout. See our Senior Dogs guide for additional considerations.
Adventures Await Your Sausage Dog
Dachshunds can enjoy wonderful holidays with appropriate planning. Protect their backs, choose suitable terrain, and provide enriching experiences that work for their unique build. They'll bring enormous personality to every adventure.
Flat beaches, gentle walks, cosy pubs - perfect Dachshund holiday ingredients.
Luke appreciates the character and spirit of Dachshunds. These bold little dogs deserve adventures tailored to keep them safe while satisfying their curious, determined nature.
5.0
out of 5
20 global ratings
Top reviews
★★★★★5.0
Dachshund guide understood our concerns
Our mini dachshund Pickle has IVDD so we have to be so careful. This guide covered everything - avoiding steep terrain, being careful with stairs in accommodation, not letting them jump on and off furniture. Found a single-storey cottage with flat walks nearby in the Cotswolds. Pickle had a lovely relaxed holiday.
Helpful
Protecting those dachshund backs is so important! Single-storey accommodation is brilliant for them. Glad Pickle had a safe, happy holiday!
★★★★★5.0
Back protection advice was essential
The emphasis on back protection was essential reading. Our standard dachshund Sausage has had one disc episode and we can't risk another. The tips about ramps instead of stairs, harnesses not collars, and flat terrain walks helped us plan a safe Norfolk holiday. He enjoyed himself without any strain.
Helpful
After a disc episode, that caution is so important! Sausage enjoying Norfolk safely is exactly what you want.
★★★★★5.0
Finally felt confident travelling with our dachshund
I was so worried about travelling with our dachshund Oscar because of all the back concerns. This guide gave me confidence by being practical rather than scary. Chose appropriate accommodation, planned gentle walks, brought the car ramp. Oscar had a wonderful week in Suffolk. Knowledge is power!
Helpful
Confidence through preparation is everything! Oscar enjoying Suffolk shows the concerns don't have to stop adventures.
★★★★★5.0
Car ramp advice was crucial
The car ramp recommendation was crucial. Never thought about the impact of jumping in and out of cars on dachshund spines. Bought a ramp before our Scottish trip and our mini Frankie uses it every time now. Such a simple thing that protects him every journey. Why isn't this more widely known?
Helpful
Car ramps should be standard dachshund equipment! Frankie protected every journey is worth the investment.
★★★★★5.0
Accommodation questions list was helpful
The list of accommodation questions specifically for dachshunds was so helpful. Single storey or lift access? Any steps to entrance? Bedroom furniture height? We found perfect ground floor cottage in Devon with low beds. Pickle could get around independently without any jumping. Exactly what we needed.
Helpful
Those specific questions make all the difference! Pickle's independence in safe accommodation is the goal.
★★★★★5.0
Walking distance guidance was realistic
The realistic walking distance guidance was refreshing. Our dachshund Fritz loves walks but his little legs tire faster than bigger dogs. The advice about multiple shorter walks rather than one long one suited him perfectly. We did three gentle rambles a day in the Cotswolds. He was never exhausted.
Helpful
Multiple shorter walks is the dachshund rhythm! Fritz doing three gentle rambles sounds perfect for his build.
★★★★★5.0
Harness not collar advice important
The advice about using a harness not a collar was important. Didn't realise collar pressure on those long necks could contribute to back problems. Our dachshund Mabel now has a proper back-supporting harness. Such an easy change that protects her spine on every walk.
Helpful
Harnesses distribute pressure so much better for dachshunds! Mabel protected on every walk is worth the switch.
★★★★☆4.0
Good breed-specific advice
Really useful dachshund-specific guide covering the unique considerations for the breed. The back protection, accommodation needs, and exercise guidance were all helpful. Four stars because I'd love more specific flat-terrain destination recommendations, but the breed advice itself was excellent.
Helpful
Fair point on specific destinations! Dachshunds need those flatter options. Glad the breed advice was useful though.
★★★★★5.0
Beach holiday adjusted for dachshunds
The beach advice adjusted for dachshunds was helpful. Firm sand near waterline better than soft dunes, avoiding steep beach access, watching for overexertion. Our mini dachshund Hugo had a brilliant time on Norfolk beaches using these tips. He ran on the firm sand without struggling.
Helpful
Hugo running on firm Norfolk sand is perfect! Adjusting beach plans for dachshund builds makes it enjoyable for them.
★★★★★5.0
Cold weather considerations explained
The cold weather advice was useful. Those low-to-ground bodies lose heat quickly. We got our dachshund Winston a proper coat for our autumn Lake District trip. He was noticeably more comfortable on chilly mornings. Never thought a dog would need a coat but dachshunds do!
Helpful
Dachshunds and cold ground don't mix well! Winston in his coat staying warm makes walks comfortable for him.
★★★★★5.0
Furniture management tips helped
The tips about managing furniture jumping were helpful. Brought portable steps for our holiday cottage so our dachshund Bella could access the sofa safely. Also blocked under beds where she'd try to squeeze. Managing the environment prevented dangerous jumps. Prevention is better than treatment.
Helpful
Environment management is key! Bella having safe sofa access and blocked hazards means relaxed owners and safe dog.
★★★★★5.0
Swimming advice was specific
The swimming advice was dachshund-specific rather than generic. Their body shape means they tire quickly in water and can struggle. We supervised our boy Otto carefully at the lake, kept sessions short, and didn't let him go deep. He enjoyed paddling without any scary moments.
Helpful
Dachshund swimming needs that extra supervision! Otto paddling safely with your watchful eye is perfect management.
★★★★★5.0
Weight management reminder important
The reminder about weight management for dachshund backs was important. Extra weight increases disc pressure. We were careful not to over-treat our girl Dotty during the holiday, kept her meals normal. Easy to overfeed on holiday but dachshunds especially can't afford extra pounds.
Helpful
Weight discipline on holiday is hard but so important for dachshunds! Dotty staying trim protects her back.
★★★★★5.0
First dachshund holiday was a success
First holiday with our new dachshund puppy and this guide made it a success. The breed-specific advice meant we chose appropriate accommodation, planned suitable walks, and packed the right equipment. Bertie's first adventure set good patterns for future travels. Started right!
Helpful
Starting right with Bertie sets him up for a lifetime of safe adventures! Good foundations matter.
★★★★★5.0
Emergency back injury signs explained
The section on recognising back injury signs was scary but essential. Reluctance to move, crying, hunched posture, wobbly legs. Having this knowledge meant we knew what to watch for. Our sausage dog Murphy was fine but we'd have spotted problems quickly if they occurred. Forewarned is forearmed.
Helpful
Knowing what to watch for means quick action if needed. Murphy being fine is what we want, but that awareness is so valuable.
★★★★★5.0
Two dachshunds on holiday managed
Travelling with two dachshunds presented double the back-protection challenges. This guide helped us manage both Bruno and Heidi - separate ramps, appropriate accommodation, suitable walks for both. Neither had any issues. Double the planning but double the sausage dog joy!
Helpful
Two sausage dogs means twice the care! Bruno and Heidi both safe and happy is double success.
★★★★★5.0
Canal holidays suggested were perfect
The suggestion of canal towpath holidays being ideal for dachshunds was perfect. Flat terrain, gentle pace, no climbing. Our dachshund Monty had his best holiday ever walking along the Kennet and Avon canal. His little legs loved the even ground. Great breed-specific recommendation.
Helpful
Canal towpaths are dachshund paradise! Monty on flat, even ground is exactly right for his build. Perfect match!
★★★★★5.0
Carrying advice for tired dachshunds
The advice about being willing to carry tired dachshunds was practical. Those little legs do tire out! We brought a sling carrier for our mini dachshund Pepper. When she'd had enough walking, she went in the carrier. Meant we could do longer outings without overworking her.
Helpful
Sling carriers are dachshund game-changers! Pepper getting rides when tired means longer family outings.
★★★★★5.0
Insurance advice was timely
The reminder to check insurance covers IVDD before travelling was timely. We discovered our policy had a low limit for back problems. Upgraded before our holiday so we'd be covered if something happened. Didn't need it thank goodness, but peace of mind travelling was worth it.
Helpful
Good dachshund insurance is essential! Having proper coverage gives peace of mind to actually enjoy the trip.
★★★★★5.0
Made us confident dachshund travellers
This guide transformed us from nervous dachshund owners to confident travellers. Understanding the specific needs, preparing properly, choosing appropriate destinations. Our dachshund Milo has had three holidays now using these principles. No problems, lots of joy. Knowledge conquered our fears.
Helpful
Three successful holidays is brilliant! Milo travelling safely because you understand his needs is perfect ownership.
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