Beds, Pet Carriers and Car Seats for Dachshunds
Finding the right beds, carriers and car seats for your dachshund can be surprisingly tricky. There are countless options on the market, and it’s hard to know what will actually suit your dog’s preferences and needs – especially with a breed as opinionated and sensitive as the dachshund.
Our dachshund has turned out to be quite fussy when it comes to comfort, both at home and when travelling. Over time, we’ve tried a wide range of products, from soft beds and crates to car seats and travel carriers. Some were a hit. Others… ended up shredded. Below are the options that have worked best for us. These aren’t sponsored – just honest recommendations based on what has held up and what our dachshund genuinely uses and enjoys.
Dog Beds for Your Dachshund
We went through a lot of trial and error with dog beds, especially in the early months when our pup was a big chewer. He had a habit of destroying anything too flimsy or overly padded. Through testing different materials and styles, we’ve landed on a couple of beds that have stood the test of time.
Pets at Home Teddy Oval Dog Bed (Medium Size)
The current bed we are using for our dog is the Pets at Home Teddy Oval Dog Bed in the medium size, and it’s a firm favourite. It’s soft and cosy with a removable cushion and fluffy lining that encourages our dog to snuggle up. The medium size fits well inside his crate, and the whole cover is machine washable, which is essential if your dog loves muddy walks or has the occasional accident.
Pets at Home Linen Oval Dog Bed
Previously we have also used the Pets at Home Linen Oval Dog Bed which was very similar in design to the above bed.
This was another successful choice for us. It’s similar in style to the Teddy bed, with a more structured shape and neutral colour palette. It also features removable covers and washable materials, which made cleaning easy during those early, messy months.
Crate Compatibility
We’ve used both of these beds inside a crate, and they fit well. Crate training can be a divisive topic, but we personally found it incredibly helpful. From the start, our dachshund saw the crate as his safe space. We never used it as punishment or for long confinement, but rather as a quiet retreat. It has also given us peace of mind knowing that if he ever faces a back injury or IVDD in the future, he’ll already be familiar and comfortable with crate rest.
Dachshund Car Seats
Transporting a dachshund safely in the car can be a bit of a challenge. We tried all sorts of seatbelt clips, booster seats, and soft beds designed for travel, but our dog clearly wasn’t comfortable. Many of the options lacked stability or moved around too much, which made him anxious.
4pets Caree Car Seat Travel System
After researching crash-tested car seats, we invested in the 4pets Caree car seat travel system. It’s on the pricier side, but it’s much more secure than anything we had tried previously. If your car has ISOFIX points, you can safely use this seat for dogs up to 8kg. For slightly heavier dachshunds (up to 15kg), it also works with a seatbelt attachment.
What we really love is that it doubles as a comfy travel bed, so our dog has a consistent resting place on longer journeys. The inner bedding is fully removable and machine washable – a must-have after country walks or muddy park visits. Overall, it’s been one of the best travel-related purchases we’ve made.
Pet Carriers and Dog Bags
Sometimes you need a lightweight, portable carrier for places like cafés, restaurants, or busy areas where your dog may feel overwhelmed. We were looking for something that was stylish, easy to carry, and offered enough structure to give our dachshund a sense of security.
Teddy Maximus Luxury Dog Carrier
I recently also bought Rocky a Teddy Maximus Luxury Dog Carrier. This carrier has worked beautifully as both a bag and a portable bed.
We first used it during a trip to the New Forest, where we visited several pubs and restaurants. Our dachshund can be quite nervous in crowded spaces, but having this cosy carrier gave him a familiar place to settle while we ate or chatted.
The bag has a sturdy base, soft lining, and a safety strap inside that clips to your dog’s collar or harness to keep them secure. The full-length zip across the top allows for easy access, and it feels much more robust than other fabric carriers we had tried before.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bed is best for a dachshund?
The best beds for dachshunds are soft, supportive, and easy to clean. Look for beds with raised sides so your dog feels secure, and choose materials that are gentle on joints but durable enough to withstand burrowing or chewing. Oval-shaped beds or those with a removable cushion often work well. Washable covers are also a must.
Should dachshunds sleep in a crate?
Many owners find that dachshunds benefit from crate training, especially if introduced in a positive and gentle way. A crate can provide a safe, calm environment for your dog to rest and retreat to. It’s also helpful in the event of crate rest being needed for health reasons like IVDD. Always make sure the crate is comfortable, never used for punishment, and sized appropriately for your dachshund.
Are car seats safe for dachshunds?
Yes, car seats designed specifically for dogs can be a safe option for dachshunds, particularly those that are crash-tested and securely anchored using ISOFIX or seatbelt attachments. These seats help keep your dog contained and reduce the risk of injury in the event of sudden stops or accidents. Always check the weight limits and safety certifications of the seat you choose.
Can dachshunds use soft-sided carriers?
Soft carriers can work well for dachshunds if used properly. They are especially useful for taking your dog into shops, cafes, or public transport. Look for carriers with reinforced bases, secure fastenings, and built-in safety straps to prevent your dachshund from jumping or falling out. Make sure your dog can comfortably lie down and turn around inside the carrier.
How do I know if my dachshund likes their bed or carrier?
Signs your dachshund is comfortable include choosing the bed or carrier voluntarily, curling up to rest without restlessness, and showing relaxed body language. If they avoid the item, chew it excessively, or seem anxious while using it, that’s a good indicator that it might not be the right fit. It often takes a bit of trial and error to find the setup your dachshund prefers.
Choosing What’s Right for Your Dachshund
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to beds and carriers. Some dachshunds love to burrow in soft, fluffy bedding, while others prefer a firmer, more structured place to rest. You may also need to try a few different options before finding one that suits your dog’s travel preferences.
Whatever you choose, look for washable materials, safety features (especially for travel products), and designs that take into account dachshunds’ unique needs – like their long backs and love of feeling secure. Your dog will let you know what they prefer soon enough.
