Not every dog minds fireworks, but plenty do: a pounding heart, trembling, hiding, panting and, in the worst case, a dog who bolts. If your dachshund is one of them, New Year's Eve can feel very long. The good news is that a little preparation makes a real difference.

Why fireworks scare dogs

Dogs hear far better than we do, and fireworks are loud, sudden and unpredictable, with flashes of light on top. A dog cannot know that the bangs will stop, so for many of them it feels like a threat they cannot escape. Dachshunds have big personalities and are rarely shy about telling you how they feel.

Create a safe place

Choose a quiet room away from the windows and the party, and make it familiar: their bed or cuddlesack, a blanket they know, a favourite toy. Close the curtains to soften the flashes and put on calm music or the TV to cover the bangs. Many dachshunds love to burrow, so let them. Do not pull a hiding dog out. Stay close and stay calm yourself, because dogs read our mood.

Practise before the big night

Desensitisation means getting your dog used to a sound in very small steps. Play a recording of fireworks at a low volume while your dog is doing something nice, such as eating or playing. Raise the volume slowly over several weeks, only as long as your dog stays relaxed, and reward calm behaviour with treats and praise. If your dog shows stress, go back a step. Start well before December.

Practical points for the evening

• Take the longest walk early, before the fireworks begin.
• Keep your dog on a leash and in a well-fitting harness outdoors, even in the garden. Frightened dogs can slip out and run.
• Make sure the microchip and registration details are up to date.
• Keep windows and doors closed, and do not leave a scared dog alone.

Calming aids: ask your vet first

Some owners find pressure vests, calming blankets or pheromone diffusers helpful. The effect varies a lot from dog to dog. Please do not give calming supplements, CBD products or any medication without talking to your vet first. If your dog is severely frightened, a vet can discuss options well ahead of time, not on the night itself.

When to ask for professional help

If fireworks cause real fear year after year, speak to your vet or a qualified dog behaviourist. They can set up a training plan for you to continue at home. Fear that is left alone tends to get worse, not better.

Staying in with a frightened dachshund may not be the party you had planned. But it is the one that matters most to him.