Derwent Valley Vets

03/09/2026

We are closing tonight at 7pm instead of our normal 9pm. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

28/08/2026

☎️ Our phone lines are currently down!

If you need to get in touch, please message us via PetsApp where possible.

🚨 In an emergency, please come straight to the practice.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience and hope to have our phone lines back up and running soon 🐾

16/08/2026

*UPDATE - we’re pleased to report that he has returned home safely (18/08/26)*

⚠️ MISSING CAT ⚠️

Missing from the Matlock Bath area: 4-year-old male Persian cat, last seen around 4.30am on Monday 10th August.

He is microchipped and wearing a green and red collar, with an ID barrel containing his owner’s details.

His owner has already checked local WhatsApp groups, unfortunately with no sightings reported so far.

If you have seen him or have any information, please contact the practice directly 🐾

12/08/2026

Puppy & Dog Separation Anxiety: Prevention is Better Than Cure

Dogs are naturally social animals and thrive on companionship, which is one of the reasons they form such strong bonds with us. However, if they are never taught how to cope with being alone, they can develop separation-related behaviour problems, often referred to as separation anxiety.

Why does separation anxiety develop?

Being left alone doesn't come naturally to dogs. In the wild, isolation can be frightening and unsafe, so it's normal for puppies to feel worried when separated from their family. Unless we gradually teach them that being alone is safe, they have no opportunity to develop the coping skills they need.

It's important to remember that a dog with separation anxiety isn't being naughty or seeking revenge for being left. They are experiencing genuine fear and panic, often comparable to a human panic attack. For them, the distress is very real.

Many cases begin during the first few weeks in a puppy's new home. Owners often love having a puppy follow them everywhere, but if a puppy spends every moment by your side, they never learn that short periods alone are perfectly safe. Then, when they are suddenly left, it can feel overwhelming.

On the other hand, leaving a very young puppy alone for long periods too soon can also create fear. Imagine being a baby who has just left their mother and littermates for the first time. Being isolated before they've built trust and confidence can be frightening and may lay the foundations for separation anxiety.

The goal is to find the right balance—building a close bond while gradually teaching your puppy that short periods apart are nothing to worry about.

Signs of separation anxiety

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
Whining, barking or howling when left alone.
Looking worried or distressed.
Pacing, panting or excessive drooling.
Chewing furniture or other destructive behaviour.
Scratching or digging at doors.
Attempts to escape.
Losing toilet training.
Vomiting or diarrhoea.
Self-injury in severe cases.
Increased anxiety or stress-related behaviours in other situations.

Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone

From the day your puppy comes home, they should learn two important lessons:
You can always be trusted.
Sometimes they won't be with you—and that's okay.

Start with very short absences. Give your puppy a high-value treat or stuffed food toy, then quietly leave the room for a minute or two. If they choose to follow you, don't make it exciting—simply ignore them and do something boring. This teaches them that following you isn't always rewarding, while relaxing on their own can be.

Gradually increase the time they spend alone, always keeping them relaxed and successful. Avoid shutting them away to force independence, as frustration can be just as damaging as fear.

Keep arrivals and departures calm and low-key so leaving doesn't become a major event.

Could it be something else?

Not every dog that barks or destroys things has separation anxiety. Similar behaviours can be caused by:
Boredom.
Lack of physical exercise.
Insufficient mental stimulation.
Breed-specific needs not being met.
Being left alone for too long.
Hearing outside noises.
Toilet breaks being needed.

A home camera or pet we**am can be incredibly helpful. A bored dog will often alternate between exploring, resting and sleeping. A dog with true separation anxiety is more likely to remain distressed throughout your absence with little opportunity to relax.

Helping a dog with separation anxiety

If your dog already struggles with being left alone:
Go back to very short periods apart and build up slowly.
Avoid leaving them alone while retraining if possible.
Use a we**am to monitor how relaxed they are.
Provide safe enrichment such as a stuffed Kong or puzzle toy.
Ensure they have had appropriate exercise before you leave.
Vary your leaving routine so departure cues become less predictable.
Keep greetings and departures calm.

For moderate or severe cases, seek help from an accredited clinical animal behaviourist. They can develop a personalised behaviour modification programme and many now offer consultations remotely using video calls.

The key message

Separation anxiety is one of the most challenging behaviour problems to treat, but one of the easiest to prevent. By teaching puppies from the start that short periods alone are safe, calm and even enjoyable, you can help them grow into confident, resilient adult dogs.
Finally, remember that dogs are social animals. No dog enjoys being left alone for long periods on a regular basis. If your lifestyle means your dog will often be alone for many hours, it's important to have a plan for company or care during the day—or consider choosing a dog that is already known to be comfortable spending time alone.

05/08/2026

🐶 Crate Training Your Puppy – Creating a Safe Haven 🏡

Crate training is one of the best ways to give your puppy a safe, comfortable space of their own. When introduced using positive, reward-based training, a crate becomes somewhere they can relax, sleep and retreat to whenever they need some quiet time.
A crate can also be incredibly useful when travelling, staying somewhere new, recovering after surgery, or gradually teaching your puppy to cope with being left alone for short periods. It should always be a place where your puppy feels safe and secure – never somewhere they are sent as punishment.
🛏️ Choosing the right crate
There are two main types of crate:
• Wire crates are sturdy, well ventilated and suitable for most dogs. They can usually be folded flat when not in use. • Fabric crates are lightweight and ideal for travelling but are less durable, can be more difficult to clean and aren't suitable for puppies or dogs that chew.
The crate should be: ✔️ Tall enough for your dog to stand and sit comfortably. ✔️ Large enough for them to turn around, stretch out fully and wag their tail. ✔️ Spacious enough to accommodate a comfortable bed, water bowl and a few toys.
If you have a puppy, choose a crate suitable for their adult size or upgrade it as they grow. When in doubt, slightly bigger is better than too small.
🧸 Making the crate comfortable
Create a cosy den by adding: • Soft bedding such as a dog bed, duvet or mattress. • A water bowl. • Safe toys and long-lasting chews. • A blanket over the top and sides (leaving the front uncovered) to reduce draughts and create a sense of security.
Position the crate somewhere quiet and away from direct sunlight, while still allowing your puppy to see what's going on so they feel part of family life.
🦴 Introducing your puppy to the crate
Start by setting the crate up before your puppy enters the room and secure the door open so there is no risk of it closing behind them.
Scatter treats or some of their kibble inside and allow them to investigate in their own time. If they're nervous, begin by placing treats just outside the entrance and gradually move them further inside as their confidence grows.
Reward your puppy every time they choose to enter the crate. Continue rewarding calm behaviours such as sitting or lying down inside. If they walk back out, simply stop offering treats and wait for them to return on their own. Avoid calling or luring them back in.
Try dropping treats into the crate when your puppy isn't looking so they learn that wonderful things happen there, rather than only associating the crate with you.
Practise little and often over several days until your puppy is happily choosing to enter and rest inside.
🦴 Building confidence
Once your puppy is comfortable, offer a long-lasting chew or favourite toy in the crate to encourage them to settle.
When they're relaxed inside, gently close the door for a few seconds without locking it. Over the following days, gradually increase the amount of time the door is closed while you remain nearby.
Once they're completely comfortable, begin locking the door for short periods while you're still in the room. Continue praising calm behaviour and occasionally drop in treats while they relax.
When opening the door, allow your puppy to decide whether to come out. If they choose to stay in the crate, reward them. If they come out, that's perfectly fine too.
Gradually begin carrying on with normal household activities while your puppy relaxes in their crate. Eventually, once they're completely settled, start leaving the room for a few seconds before slowly building up to leaving the house for short periods.
❤️ If your puppy struggles
If your puppy whines, scratches or shows signs of distress, simply go back to the previous stage. Every puppy learns at a different pace, so don't rush the process.
If your dog has had a previous negative experience with a crate, or you suspect separation anxiety, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist before progressing further.
🐾 Top tips
• Always use positive, reward-based training. • Never force your puppy into the crate. • Never use the crate as punishment. • Keep the crate door secured open whenever you're not actively training so your puppy can choose to go in and out freely. • Respect the crate as your dog's personal safe space and teach children not to disturb them while they're resting. • Puppy-proof the rest of your home too, so the crate is one of several comfortable places your dog can choose to rest. • Never leave your dog in a crate for more than three hours during the day, and remember that many puppies will only cope with much shorter periods. Always ensure they've been exercised, been to the toilet, eaten and had some mental stimulation beforehand.
Crate training takes time—often several weeks—but with patience, consistency and plenty of positive experiences, most puppies learn to see their crate as a place where they feel safe, relaxed and secure. If you're struggling at any stage, don't hesitate to ask your vet or a qualified behaviourist for advice. 🐶💕

29/07/2026

Derwent Valley Vets are feeling very proud today. Amelia Goodear, Claire's daughter, is representing Great Britain 🇬🇧 at the FEI Pony Dressage European Championships in France this week.....
And what a fabulous job she is doing!
The culmination of a lot of hard work and some fabulous family support.
Well done Amelia and Fury. We are super proud of you 👏 🥰
As a team with a lot of working mothers who navigate the difficult line between doing a brilliant job in their career and being there for their family, we are also very proud of you too CG. We know how hard it can be 😘

As second British rider down the centre line, Amelia Goodear produced a cracking test to finish on 69.429% 🙌🇬🇧

Learn how you can follow along from home and cheer on our riders in our latest show preview via the link below:👇
🔗https://bit.ly/PonyEuros26

29/07/2026

🐾 Bringing Your New Puppy Home – Making Their First Day a Success 🐾

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting milestone for the whole family, but while you're celebrating, your puppy may be feeling overwhelmed. They've just left their mum, littermates and familiar surroundings for the first time, so it's important to make their first day as calm and reassuring as possible.

🚗 The Journey Home
Plan ahead for the trip home. Travel safely, keep the journey as stress-free as possible, and if you can, have one person focus on the puppy while another drives. Bring towels just in case of travel sickness, and remember that the excitement and motion of the journey can be tiring for a young pup.

🏡 Arriving Home
As soon as you arrive, take your puppy straight to their designated toilet area and reward them if they go. Then introduce them quietly to just one room and allow them to explore at their own pace. Avoid overwhelming them with visitors, games or too many introductions on day one.

😴 Rest Is Essential
Young puppies need around 18–20 hours of sleep each day. Give them plenty of opportunities to rest without interruption and supervise children to ensure interactions remain calm and gentle.

❤️ Let Your Puppy
Set the Pace Some puppies are confident and outgoing, while others are cautious and reserved. Allow your puppy to decide how much interaction they want. Avoid chasing, grabbing or forcing cuddles, and let them come to you when they feel ready.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Set Family Rules
Early Consistency is key. Decide from day one what behaviours will and won't be allowed as they grow up. Make sure everyone follows the same rules and keeps valuable or dangerous items out of reach of curious puppy teeth!

🏠 Prepare Your Home Before your puppy arrives: ✔️ Puppy-proof rooms and gardens ✔️ Secure wires and remove hazards ✔️ Create a safe sleeping area ✔️ Consider using puppy pens or room dividers ✔️ Fence off ponds, poisonous plants and other dangers

🐕 Take Things Slowly
Avoid inviting visitors during the first week if possible. Spend time getting to know your puppy, learning their signals, and helping them build confidence in their new home. Every new experience should be paired with something positive, such as praise, treats or play.

👧 Children and Puppies
Teach children to interact gently and respectfully. Puppies are not toys, can become frightened easily, and need space to rest and settle. Positive early experiences help build lifelong trust.

⏰ Be There for Them
The first few days and weeks are an important bonding period. Puppies need companionship, guidance and reassurance as they adjust to their new world. With patience, consistency and plenty of positive experiences, they'll soon feel safe, secure and part of the family.

Remember, while you know they've found their forever home, your puppy doesn't know that yet. Give them time, understanding and plenty of love, and you'll be laying the foundations for a happy, confident dog for years to come. 🐾💕

22/07/2026

🐶 Thinking about getting a puppy? Read this first! 🐶

Bringing home a new puppy is incredibly exciting, but choosing the right one is about much more than falling in love with a cute face. Taking the time to research breeds and breeders can help you avoid heartbreak and give your new companion the best possible start in life.

🏡 Choose a breed that suits your lifestyle
Before you start looking at puppies, think honestly about your home and daily routine. Consider:
🐾 How much time you can spend with your dog each day.
🐾 The space you have available, including access to a garden.
🐾 How much exercise you can realistically provide all year round.
🐾 Grooming requirements.
🐾 Your family, other pets and any allergies.

A great tip is to make two lists: your non-negotiables (such as size or low shedding) and your nice-to-haves. This can help narrow down the breeds that are the best fit for you.

🐕 Find a responsible breeder
Whenever possible, buy from a licensed breeder. While a licence isn't a guarantee of excellence, it does show the breeder has been inspected and meets minimum welfare and record-keeping standards.

Good breeders will happily:
✔️ Let you meet the puppy's mum and see where the puppies are raised.
✔️ Show you vaccination, microchip, worming and health testing records.
✔️ Provide a sales contract and ongoing support.

Some excellent breeders aren't licensed because they only breed an occasional litter to continue their bloodline. If this is the case, be extra vigilant and don't be afraid to ask questions.

🚩 Watch out for red flags
Avoid breeders who:
❌ Won't let you meet the puppy's mum.
❌ Offer to meet in a car park or deliver the puppy without you visiting.
❌ Advertise lots of different breeds at once.
❌ Can't provide health records or vet details.
❌ Pressure you to pay a deposit immediately or offer prices that seem too good to be true.

🩺 Health testing matters
Every breed has inherited health risks. Responsible breeders health test both parents and will happily explain the results and provide certificates. Remember, "designer" crossbreeds aren't automatically healthier, so ask what health tests have been carried out on both parents.

❓ Questions every buyer should ask
• Can I meet mum with the puppies?
• What health tests have the parents had?
• Are the puppies microchipped, wormed and vaccinated?
• Who is your vet?
• How are the puppies being socialised?
• What support do you offer after purchase?

📄 Make sure you receive:
✔️ A written contract and receipt.
✔️ Vaccination, worming and microchip records.
✔️ Copies of health test certificates.
✔️ Kennel Club paperwork (if applicable).
✔️ Insurance details if provided.

💷 Remember to budget
The purchase price is only the beginning. Ongoing costs include food, insurance, preventative healthcare, grooming, training, boarding and unexpected veterinary treatment.

Choosing a puppy carefully is one of the best investments you can make in your future together. A little research now can help ensure years of happiness for both you and your new best friend. ❤️🐾

10/07/2026

Feeling hot, hot, hot! 🥵

With temperatures reaching over 30°C again yesterday and the hot weather continuing, our staff pets have been showing us their favourite ways to stay cool!

❄️ From cooling mats and frozen treats to paddling pools and some very stylish sunglasses 🕶️, we’ve got plenty of fun (and useful!) inspiration to share.

Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, bird or reptile, don’t forget to provide plenty of fresh water, shade and a cool place to escape the heat ☀️

How are your pets keeping cool? Share your photos and favourite hot weather tips in the comments! ⬇️

07/07/2026

Due to staff illness we are closing tonight at 7pm instead of 9pm. Thank you for your understanding 💙