Derwent Valley Vets

Derwent Valley Vets Derwent Valley Vets is an independent vets owned by Claire and Rebecka with a single clinic based in Matlock, Derbyshire.

🚨 Puppy Scam Alert! 🐾 🚨Did you know that puppy scams are on the rise? Scammers are preying on eager pet lovers with fake...
23/08/2025

🚨 Puppy Scam Alert! 🐾 🚨

Did you know that puppy scams are on the rise? Scammers are preying on eager pet lovers with fake ads, stolen photos, and heartbreaking lies. 😔 They promise cute puppies at rock-bottom prices, only to take your money and leave you with nothing but disappointment.

How can you protect yourself? 🛡️
Introducing Pet Proov:
A FREE app designed to help authenticate breeders and ensure you're getting a real, healthy pup from a trusted source. 🐶✨

Here's how you can avoid the traps:
What to Look for When Choosing a Puppy:

Red Flags in Communication 📞
Scammers often avoid video calls or in-person meetings. If a breeder refuses to meet or show the puppy live, that's a huge red flag!
Too Good to Be True Prices 💸
If the price of a puppy seems unusually low, it might be a scam. Genuine breeders charge based on breed, health, and care. No discounts or deals that sound too good to be true.
Vague or Missing Health Information 🏥
Always ask about the puppy’s health records. A trustworthy breeder should provide clear details about vaccinations, vet visits, and health certifications.
No Traceable Breeder Information 🔍
If the breeder can't provide a solid history or references, or if they are unwilling to share details about the puppy’s parents or lineage, walk away.
Pet Proov helps you:
✔️ Authenticate breeder credentials and legitimacy
✔️ Verify photos and videos to spot potential fakes
✔️ Give you confidence and peace of mind before bringing your new furry friend home
🐕 Don’t get caught in a scam! Do your research and use tools like Pet proov to ensure you’re adopting from a responsible source. Start your journey to a real, loving companion with confidence. 📲 Download Pet Proov today!

WANTED – A 4th Musketeer! These three ladies are some of the most important people in our practice….and we adore them! ...
22/08/2025

WANTED – A 4th Musketeer!

These three ladies are some of the most important people in our practice….and we adore them!

As our front of house reception team, who man our desk and answer our phones, messages and emails, these are the first people our clients meet on a daily basis and they are five-star ambassadors for the rest of the team behind the scenes.

We are looking for a fourth (or possibly fourth and fifth) member for this very special team.
If you are warm and approachable, and if you are confident in building relationships with clients, making every visitor feel like part of our extended team, this role is for you.

Details about the job:

You’ll be the welcoming face of our practice and play a vital part in ensuring smooth daily operations at a busy front desk.

You would be working in a fast-paced environment and must enjoy working with people and take pride in delivering outstanding customer service.

Previous customer service experience is essential, as this role requires someone who can consistently provide a high standard of care and communication in a demanding and dynamic environment.

Full training will be provided on veterinary-specific systems and procedures, so this is not essential.

As an independently owned practice with a supportive and close-knit culture, we place high value on teamwork, kindness, and respect.

Key qualities we're looking for:

A natural communicator with a friendly and professional manner, both in person and over the phone

Strong organisational and multitasking abilities, with a calm and focused approach when working under pressure

A team player who is also confident working independently and using their own initiative

High attention to detail and a proactive attitude to problem-solving

Competent with basic IT systems and general housekeeping tasks


Working hours:

We’re excited to be offering a flexible opportunity for the right person! This position can be filled by one full-time team member or shared between two part-time colleagues. Our new teammate(s) should be comfortable working a fair share of later shifts in line with our rota, as we’re open until 7pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and until 9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Additionally, you’d be part of our Saturday rotation, working one in four Saturdays from 8am to 3pm.


For more information, an informal chat, or to send us your CV with a covering letter, please contact our Head Nurse, Emma Thorley, via [email protected] or telephone 01629 55666.

🐾✈️ Expert Vet Tips for Travelling with Your Dog 🐶💼Planning a pet-friendly getaway? 🏖️ Make sure your furry friend is ju...
21/08/2025

🐾✈️ Expert Vet Tips for Travelling with Your Dog 🐶💼

Planning a pet-friendly getaway? 🏖️ Make sure your furry friend is just as ready for the journey as you are!

Here are top vet-approved travel tips to keep tails wagging and stress levels low:

✨ Comfort is Key
✔️ Cozy bed or blanket
✔️ Cooling mat for hot weather
✔️ Good ventilation
✔️ Travel sickness? Ask your vet!

🛡️ Safety First
✔️ Use a carrier, crate, or harness
✔️ Never leave pets in a hot car
✔️ Watch for open windows & debris

🚗 Take Breaks
✔️ Regular walk & water stops
✔️ Travel during cooler parts of the day

🎒 Pack the Essentials
✔️ Food, water, bowls, meds
✔️ Comfort toys or blanket

📍 Destination Ready
✔️ Book pet-friendly stays
✔️ Check ID tags & microchip details
✔️ Vet visit before international trips

🐕 With a little planning, your pet can enjoy the adventure just as much as you! 🐾

📸 Let’s see some pictures of your pets enjoying their holidays 💛

🐾 Is Your Pet First-Aid Ready? 🐶🐱Following on from our common emergencies post, we thought it maybe useful to have some ...
18/08/2025

🐾 Is Your Pet First-Aid Ready? 🐶🐱

Following on from our common emergencies post, we thought it maybe useful to have some information on what to keep in your pets first aid kit;

✅ Bandages (adhesive + stretchy)
✅ Blunt-ended scissors
✅ Wound wash & cotton wool
✅ Tweezers & tick remover
✅ Non-absorbent wound dressings
✅ Self-adhesive tape & gauze pads
✅ Vinyl gloves & antiseptic wipes
✅ Foil blanket for shock
✅ Muzzle & emergency contact card
✅ First Aid Guide to help YOU help them

Whether it’s a splinter, a bite, or something more serious, a first aid kit gives you peace of mind knowing you're ready. 🩺💙

🎒 Keep one in your home, car, or when adventuring with your furry friend!

⛑️ you can buy ready made kits or make your own

🐾 Common Pet Emergencies & What to Do 🐾Accidents happen. Being prepared can save your pet’s life. Here’s what to do in s...
17/08/2025

🐾 Common Pet Emergencies & What to Do 🐾

Accidents happen. Being prepared can save your pet’s life. Here’s what to do in some of the most common emergencies:

🚨 Collapsed Pet
✔️ Ensure safety
✔️ Check breathing
📞 Call your vet immediately

🩸 Bleeding Wounds
✔️ Apply pressure with a clean cloth
📞 Contact your vet

🐕‍🦺 Broken Bones
❌ Don’t move them unless necessary
📞 Get advice from your vet ASAP

⚡ Seizures
✔️ Clear the area
✔️ Keep them cool
🕑 Call your vet if it lasts >2 mins or repeats
🕰️ Wait a short while for your pet to settle before travelling to the vets as too much stimulation too soon could trigger another seizure

☀️ Heatstroke
✔️ Use cool water
🚗 Transport to vet in a cool vehicle
🪭 Try to actively cool using a fan

😮‍💨 Breathing Trouble
🚨 Go to the vet immediately
📞 Call ahead if possible

☠️ Suspected Poisoning
📞 Call your vet and veterinary poison information service NOW - 01202 509000

🐝 Allergic Reactions
😨 Watch for face/throat swelling
🚨 Get to a vet immediately

🧠 Quick Tips:
✅ Stay calm
✅ Reassure your pet with a soothing voice
✅ Protect yourself, even loving pets may lash out in fear
✅ Keep your vet’s number saved
✅ Have a pet first aid kit ready
❌ Never give human meds to pets

💡 Preparation = peace of mind. Share this to help other pet parents stay informed! 🐶🐱❤️

🐾 Worried About Fake Pet Medicines? Here's What to Watch Out For! 🐾Your pet’s health depends on safe, effective treatmen...
14/08/2025

🐾 Worried About Fake Pet Medicines? Here's What to Watch Out For! 🐾

Your pet’s health depends on safe, effective treatment but counterfeit veterinary medicines are a growing threat.
Here's how to protect your
furry friends:

🚫 Check the packaging
– Poor print quality or damaged boxes
– Spelling & grammar mistakes
– Missing expiry dates or leaflets
– Non-English instructions
– Suspicious smells, colors, or textures

💻 Watch the seller
– Avoid unregistered websites
– Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true
– Say NO to sketchy payment methods like bank transfers

📄 Prescriptions matter
Never buy prescription-only meds without a valid vet prescription.

🛒 Buy from trusted sources
– Your vet
– Reputable pet pharmacies
– PDSA Pet Store
– VMD's official Register of Online Retailers ✅

🚨 If in doubt, report it
Suspect a fake medicine? Contact the VMD Enforcement Team or VPIS if your pet is at risk.

Protect your pets and share this post to help spread the word! ❤️🐶🐱

📉 What Does a Capnograph Tell Us During Anaesthesia? 🐾We are lucky enough to have two of these state-of-the-art machines...
12/08/2025

📉 What Does a Capnograph Tell Us During Anaesthesia? 🐾

We are lucky enough to have two of these state-of-the-art machines here at Derwent Valley.

They are used to monitor every patients general anaesthetic or sedation.

Our registered veterinary nurses are trained to use these machines, how to read them and also trained to ensure that the parameters they are giving us are correct by doing our own manual checks. (With our eyes, ears and hands)

Capnography isn’t just a number on the screen, it can be a lifesaver during general anaesthesia. 👩‍⚕️🐶🐱

This vital tool provides real-time monitoring of a patient’s end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂) the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled at the end of a breath. But it tells us so much more:

🔸 Ventilation status – Is the patient breathing adequately? Hypoventilation or apnea? You'll know instantly.
🔸 Circulatory function – Sudden drops in EtCO₂ can be early signs of cardiac issues.
🔸 Airway integrity – Helps detect obstructions or disconnections fast.
🔸 Anaesthetic depth – Shifts in respiratory patterns may hint at lightening or deepening planes.
🔸 Equipment checks – Confirms if your ET tube is correctly placed and functioning.

🧠 Smart monitoring = safer anaesthesia.

A little late to the party, but we couldn’t miss it - it’s NATIONAL CLAIRE DAY 🎉We’re lucky enough to have not one, not ...
11/08/2025

A little late to the party, but we couldn’t miss it - it’s NATIONAL CLAIRE DAY 🎉
We’re lucky enough to have not one, not two, but FOUR amazing Claire’s/Clare’s here at Derwent Valley Vets! Forever grateful for all you do, Claire, Claire, Claire & Clare 💙💙💙💙

🐾 Thinking of getting a ferret?Ferrets make curious, playful pets, BUT they need a lot of care!✅ Super sociable & affect...
10/08/2025

🐾 Thinking of getting a ferret?

Ferrets make curious, playful pets, BUT they need a lot of care!

✅ Super sociable & affectionate
✅ Sleep up to 20 hrs/day
✅ Need a buddy (or two!)
✅ Large, custom housing required
✅ High-protein, meat-based diet
⚠️ Distinctive smell (can be reduced with neutering)
⚠️ Can bite if not well-handled

🩺 Vet care is essential:
✔️ Annual vaccinations (e.g. distemper)
✔️ Regular flea & parasite treatments
✔️ Neutering or hormone implants recommended

🧼 Weekly cage cleans and daily spot checks help keep them (and your home!) fresh.

Ferrets thrive with attention, space, and the right care. Could they be the right fit for you?

🐾 Happy International Cat Day! 🐾1. Cats are nocturnal: Nope! They’re crepuscular — most active at dawn and dusk 🌙2. Blac...
08/08/2025

🐾 Happy International Cat Day! 🐾

1. Cats are nocturnal: Nope! They’re crepuscular — most active at dawn and dusk 🌙

2. Black cats are unlucky: False! Black cats are just as loving and wonderful as any other cat. Many cultures even see them as lucky companions lucky 🍀

3. Cats can’t be trained: They absolutely can! Use treats and patience to teach your kitty new tricks 🍬

4. Cats are low-maintenance: Not true. They need care, play, grooming and regular vet visits 🐈

5. Cats don’t show affection: They do. But just show it their own way with purrs, head-butts, and playtime 😽

6. Milk is a nice treat for cats: Actually, most cats are lactose intolerant. Stick to water and a balanced diet 🐮

7. Cats don’t get lonely: Many do and can suffer separation anxiety 💔

8. A purring cat is always happy: Purring can also mean they’re scared, hurt or self-soothing 😿

9. Cats hate water: Some do, but many enjoy playing with water and exploring it safely 🛁

10. Cats always land on their feet: Not always. Falls can cause injury, so keep windows and balconies secure 🔒

Celebrate your cat’s unique quirks today and every day! 🎉

🐶🐱 It’s National Fresh Breath Day! 🦷💨Fresh breath isn't just a human thing - your pets deserve it too! 💚Bad breath (a.k....
06/08/2025

🐶🐱 It’s National Fresh Breath Day! 🦷💨

Fresh breath isn't just a human thing - your pets deserve it too! 💚

Bad breath (a.k.a. halitosis) in pets isn’t just unpleasant, it can signal underlying health issues.

Some common causes include:

🦷 Dental disease – Tartar, gingivitis, or abscesses are the most common causes of bad breath!

💧 Kidney disease – Breath smelling like ammonia? Toxins and waste products may be building up due to a decrease in kidney function.

🍬 Diabetes – Sweet or fruity breath could be a warning sign due to a build up of ketones.

🦴 Something stuck – Bones, sticks, or toys lodged in the mouth can begin to smell over time. We sometimes see a build up of hair wrapped around the teeth during dental procedures!

🔍 Oral lumps – Infections from lumps can cause a strong odor.

🥫 Diet – Yes, fishy food = fishy breath.

🐾 If your pet’s breath makes you wrinkle your nose, don’t ignore it - book a checkup today and let's keep those smiles fresh!

We have had two male ferrets brought into us this evening. They were found in the fields opposite Premier Inn in Matlock...
06/08/2025

We have had two male ferrets brought into us this evening. They were found in the fields opposite Premier Inn in Matlock. If they are yours please give the practice a call on 01629 55666 📞

Address

The Boat House, 110 Dale Road
Matlock
DE43PP

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 9pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 9pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+44162955666

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Derwent Valley Vets posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Derwent Valley Vets:

Shortcuts

Share

Category

We want your pet to live a long, happy and healthy life as much as you do.

Here at Derwent Valley Vets we want to provide you with a high level of service and excellent clinical advice so that you can keep your pet happy and healthy. We have an experienced team of vets and nurses who work with you as owners to give great clinical outcomes. We aim to give you the opportunity to keep your much loved pets safe and well whilst providing value for money. We love what we do and we hope you do too.