Brushing your puppies teeth

Did you know that a large number of dogs over the age of three develop dental disease? Starting preventative dental care early can make a huge difference in keeping your puppy’s mouth healthy and pain-free as they grow.

The best way to protect your puppy’s teeth is through daily brushing—the gold standard in dental care. A great time to start brushing is around six months, once most adult teeth have come through and teething is complete. Before this age, you can gently introduce dental care by applying dog-specific toothpaste to their gums, helping them get used to the sensation.

We understand that not every puppy loves having their teeth brushed, and that’s okay. There are plenty of other ways to support their dental health, such as specially formulated dental diets, dental chews, or plaque-reducing additives in food or water.

Taking the time to care for your puppy’s teeth now will help prevent pain, infection, and costly treatments in the future. If you’d like more personalised advice or step-by-step guidance, our team would love to help—book a session and let’s keep your puppy smiling bright for years to come.

When is the best time to get my puppy neutered?

The ideal age to neuter a dog can vary depending on several factors. Generally, most dogs are neutered between 6 months and 2 years of age. Research suggests that neutering too early or too late in certain breeds may be linked to specific health concerns, so it’s important to consider your dog as an individual when making this decision/

To help guide you, here is a summary of the key benefits and potential considerations of neutering—essentially, the reasons why owners choose to neuter their dogs:

The benefits for female dogs:

• No unwanted pregnancies
• No season
• No false pregnancies
• No risk of uterine cancer
• Reduced risk of mammary tumors (dependent on when they have been neutered)
• No risk of womb infections

The possible consequences of neutering your female dog:

• Weight gain (this is due to a change in their metabolism, which can be easily addressed by reducing the amount of food your dog eats)
• Urinary incontinence (this is more likely if dogs are neutered early)
• Change in colour an texture of coat
• Behavioural changes

The benefits for male dogs:

• No risk of testicular cancer
• Reduced incidence of prostate enlargement
• Reduced risk of roaming
• Potential modification of unwanted behaviours such as mounting, scent marking and chasing female dogs

The possible consequence of neutering your male dog:

• Weight gain (this is due to a change in their metabolism, which can be easily addressed by reducing the amount of food your dog eats)
• Change in colour and texture of the coat
• Behavioural changes (If you have an aggressive dog or dog with low confidence, neutering can exacerbate this)

When deciding whether to neuter your dog, it’s important to consider breed-specific risks and benefits. For personalised advice and guidance, please get in touch with our team at Mayne Vets.

What are the common foods dogs should not eat and when should I contact my Vets in an emergency?

Our curious puppies love to explore the world with their mouths, which can put them at risk of encountering foods, plants, or medicines that are highly toxic to dogs. Being aware of these common household hazards is one of the most important ways to protect your puppy throughout their lifetime and give you peace of mind.

Common Toxins:

• Chocolate
• Raisins, sultanas, grapes
• Onions
• Macadamia nuts
• Sweetener xylitol
• Antifreeze
• Rodenticides
• Cleaning products
• Certain plants
• Human medication

If you suspect your puppy has ingested something toxic, it’s crucial to act immediately. Some poisons can cause serious harm very quickly, so the faster you respond, the better the chance of a positive outcome. Contact us at the clinic right away, or call the Poisons Advice Line if needed.

Any details you can provide are extremely helpful for guiding treatment. Keep packets, containers, or ingredient lists of what was consumed, along with the timeline and amount if possible.

If this happens outside of normal clinic hours, don’t panic—reach out to your nearest emergency veterinary service, as a Mayne Vets client you have access to 24/7 veterinary advice and support with Vidivet, if needed Vets Now are on hand. Acting quickly can make all the difference in keeping your puppy safe.

Puppy Care Hub:

Toilet training, play biting and crate training: Puppy Care Hub: Everything you need to know – Mayne Vets

Nutrition, socialisation and exclusive puppy series videos Puppy Care Hub: Everything You Need to Know – Mayne Vets

Now that your puppy is settling into their new home, we’d like to share some key points to keep in mind as you begin their training journey.

As your puppy’s guardian, it’s important to make training a regular part of daily life. Training helps your puppy learn how to behave in different situations, keeps them safe, strengthens the bond between you, and adds mental stimulation to their day. Whether you choose to train at home or in a class, it’s essential to use reward-based techniques rather than methods focused on punishment.

Introducing your puppy to gentle handling from an early age—and continuing to build on this throughout their life—helps them become calm and confident during examinations. This makes visits to the vet or groomer, as well as handling at home, much easier and less stressful for both you and your puppy.

Below are some useful tips on common issues and questions that often arise when welcoming a new puppy into the household.

How do I toilet train my puppy?

Remember that puppies have small bladders and limited bladder control in the early months, so they will need to go to the toilet much more frequently than adult dogs.

Set your puppy up for success by anticipating the times they are most likely to need a toilet break, such as first thing in the morning, after meals, after play sessions, and before bedtime. Pay close attention to signs that your puppy needs to go, such as circling, sniffing the floor, or suddenly stopping what they are doing. Gently guide them to the appropriate toileting area as soon as you notice these signals.

Always reward your puppy immediately after they toilet in the correct place, using praise, affection, or a small treat. This helps them form a positive association with toileting in the right spot.

If your puppy has an accident indoors, remain calm and avoid scolding them. Puppies do not connect punishment with past accidents, and telling them off can create anxiety around toileting. Instead, clean the area thoroughly to remove any lingering scent markers that might encourage repeat accidents.

Consistency is key when toilet training. Use the same cue words for urination or defecation each time, and always take your puppy to the same toileting spot. Over time, this routine helps them understand what is expected and encourages reliable toileting habits.

How do I stop my puppy from play biting?

Puppies explore the world with their mouths and often chew to relieve teething discomfort, stress, boredom, or to get attention. While play biting may seem harmless when they are small, it’s important to teach that mouthing people is not acceptable, especially as adult teeth come in.

To manage play biting:

• Ensure no one in the household encourages the behaviour—avoid teasing or inviting bites on hands, feet, or clothing.
• Redirect chewing to age-appropriate toys, praising them for using the toy instead of your body.
• Anticipate times your puppy is more likely to mouth, such as when tired or hungry, and stay calm. Remove yourself safely if needed (using a crate or baby gate) and offer a chew or food-stuffed Kong.
• Ignore mouthing or clothing-pulling. Turn away, tuck in limbs, or walk out of the room briefly so your puppy does not gain attention as a reward.
• During handling or grooming, keep sessions short and provide a small toy to occupy their mouth. Choose quieter times, such as just before a nap.
• Rotate toys regularly to keep them engaged and distracted from furniture or household items.

How do I crate train my puppy?

A crate should be a safe, warm, and peaceful space for your puppy—a place to rest, feel secure, and be entertained. It should never be used as a form of punishment.

Choosing the right crate:

• Size: It should be cozy enough to feel safe, yet large enough for your puppy to stand, turn, and eventually grow into their adult size comfortably.
• Ventilation and visibility: Good airflow and visibility allow your puppy to observe household activity and let you interact or drop treats in without opening the door.
• Access: A crate with doors at both ends can make initial training easier, allowing your puppy to explore it like a tunnel and build confidence.

Making it comfortable:

• Add soft bedding, blankets, or towels. You can drape a blanket over one end if your puppy prefers a more enclosed space.
• Place the crate where your puppy can see household activity but away from the busiest traffic areas. Make it accessible so they can choose to go in when they need a rest.

Using the crate effectively:

Gradually build up the amount of time they spend in the crate, keeping it generally to 2–4 hours during the day, depending on your puppy’s age and temperament.

Always ensure your puppy has toileted before being placed in the crate.

Provide enrichment toys or chews to keep them occupied.

Puppy Care Hub

Teeth brushing, neutering and common toxicities Puppy Care Hub: Everything you need to know – Mayne Vets

Nutrition, socialisation and exclusive puppy series videos Puppy Care Hub: Everything You Need to Know – Mayne Vets

What should I feed my dog?

Good nutrition plays a vital role in your puppy’s daily life. Depending on their breed, puppies can take anywhere from 8 to 24 months to reach their full adult size and weight. Throughout this important growth period, it’s essential to provide a diet that supports healthy development. Puppy food should be nutrient-dense to meet their increased energy needs and contain the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus to promote strong, healthy bones. Establishing good nutrition in puppyhood helps set the foundation for long-term health.

Because puppies have small stomachs, they require smaller, more frequent meals to begin with, gradually transitioning to two meals a day as they mature—typically around 6 months of age. Feeding a complete diet specifically formulated for puppies is recommended. If you have a large-breed dog (with an expected adult weight over 25 kg), it’s especially important to choose a large-breed puppy diet, as these puppies need to grow more gradually and usually reach adulthood later than smaller breeds.

Regular weight checks during your puppy’s growth phase are important to ensure they are developing at an appropriate rate. Overfeeding may cause rapid growth, which can contribute to obesity and increase the risk of joint and bone problems.

During your monthly clinic visits for parasite control, we will weigh your puppy, assess their body condition score, and record their progress on a growth chart. This allows us to closely monitor their development and discuss any adjustments that may support their healthy growth.

How do I socialise my dog?

The first few months of a puppy’s life are crucial for building the foundations they’ll rely on throughout adulthood. Between approximately 3 and 16 weeks of age, puppies are especially open to new experiences. During this period, they are learning about the world around them—how to react to new situations, people, animals, environments, and sounds. In many ways, they are developing the essential life skills they’ll carry forward.

As their guardians, it’s our responsibility to ensure these early experiences are positive and well-managed. We aim for puppies to respond calmly or neutrally to new encounters. To achieve this, each experience should be introduced gradually and paired with something positive—such as treats, praise, or play. This helps them form healthy, positive associations they can rely on in the future.

Puppies who experience fear or become overwhelmed during this sensitive period are more likely to develop behaviour challenges later in life. By gently guiding your puppy, taking things at their pace, and supporting them through new situations, you can greatly increase their chances of growing into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.

Mayne Vets Puppy Series

We are very excited to be offering you some wonderful videos we have put together with Lauren Hewitt-Watts from Dog Mum Mindset, dog trainer and behaviourist. These resources were originally created during the COVID period, when in-person puppy preschool sessions were not possible. However, they remain incredibly valuable and are packed with practical, reliable advice. They cover key topics such as socialisation, handling, appropriate puppy play, and preparing your puppy for comfortable separation.

We hope they help guide you on your journey to becoming the best dog guardian you can be. Whether you’re a first-time puppy owner or have had dogs before, these materials are a fantastic support tool.

How to get the most out of these videos:
• Click on the link —> https://dogmummindset.com/mayne-vets-sign-up
• Sign up for free access to the series
• Take them in bite sized chunks
• Watch them with the whole family
• Take notes and watch them back if needed

Insurance

Insurance

Whether your puppy is already insured or you’re considering pet insurance for the first time, we know that pet insurance can be a bit confusing.  Here are some key points to consider to ensure it is there for you and your cat when they need it most:

It is really important to have insurance that covers a condition “for life”

We advise lifelong cover, your pet will then be covered for a condition throughout their life, an excess would likely be paid each year, but the monetary cover for the condition would be refreshed each policy year.

Some insurance policies offer cover for conditions only for 12 months, therefore if your pet has a ‘lifelong’ condition, such as diabetes or arthritis, they will only be covered for a year, after that it would be classed as pre-existing and is no longer covered. Another type of policy is only covering a condition until the monetary limit has been reached, this may take 6 months, it may take 2 years, but once that monetary limit has been reached it would be classed as pre-existing and no longer covered.

Check what you are covered for?

Dental treatment – For some dental claims to be covered, regular teeth checks need to have been performed by your vets, regular yearly vaccinations help with this. Furthermore, if dental treatment is advised, then this may need to be carried out in a timely manner, for example within 6 months of it being advised. You may presume you are covered, but some insurance companies exclude any treatment related to your pet’s gums.

Consider the limit amount conditions are covered for

Ideally you want your pet to be covered for at least £6000 – £8000 per condition per year. But obviously the more the better. Some insurance companies will offer cover for up to £12,000 and more.

Don’t shop around

Shopping around each year for the cheapest premium isn’t the most cost effective or efficient way to manage pet insurance. Many of us, staff here included, are used to shopping around every year for the cheapest car or home insurance quote on comparison websites. However, doing this with pet insurance is problematic. When you switch providers most policies have a clause that prevents them from covering any pre-existing issues. Therefore any prior issues your cat had can be classed as pre-existing and may not be covered.

Puppy Care Hub

Toilet training, play biting and crate training Puppy Care Hub: Everything you need to know – Mayne Vets

Teeth brushing, neutering and common toxicities Puppy Care Hub: Everything you need to know – Mayne Vets

We are aware that there has been some recent concerns about the use of Librela for the treatment of osteoarthritis and its safety. We thought it may be helpful to provide some information as to when and why it has been used, and what updated information we have with regards to its safe use.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, similar to humans, affects many dogs, cats and other species. It is a complex disease with multiple causes. The wear and tear of joints can be age-related (especially in our overweight pets), due to prior injury, infection, it can be an immune mediated issue and even as a result of developmental abnormalities, predisposing our younger pets to an earlier onset (such as hip and elbow dysplasia).

When it comes to taking care of our arthritic pets, our main goals are to reduce their pain, maintain their joint health, their mobility and thus, their quality of life. When your dog is showing signs of arthritis, whether that be obvious issues with their mobility or more subtle changes to behaviour, we will always start with a thorough examination and discussion with you. Depending on your pet: their breed, age, weight, how quickly it began, history of trauma and the examination itself – all of these factors will normally determine the course of action. We may discuss imaging the joints with you if we feel it may be warranted to gather more information or confirm a diagnosis.

As veterinarians, we will always tailor the treatment plan to the pet and our client’s needs. In any condition, our treatment is based on medical knowledge, and comparing the risks and benefits of any medication or procedure to the ultimate goal of – either curing the disease, or making your pet as comfortable as possible. In terms of treatment for osteoarthritis, the options are wide-ranging including pain medication, weight management, over-the-counter joint supplements, physiotherapy and surgery in select cases. In most cases, these remedies are used in tandem due to the complexity of arthritis itself.

What is Librela?

Now lets talk about Librela. It is a monthly injection we have used to treat the pain caused by osteoarthritis in dogs. It was introduced to the European market in February 2021. Since then, Zoetis has reported that 21 million doses have been distributed globally, helping millions of dogs lead a more comfortable life.

It’s effectively an antibody, which is specifically designed to bind to and eliminate something called the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF, is a protein which is involved in nerve function, and is associated with the pain stimulus or sensation in arthritic dogs. By extension, if Librela binds to the NGF and prevents the sensation of pain, this will lead to pain relief for the treated dog.

Librela, Studies and its Safety

Prior to its introduction to the market, as is standard for any medication, safety and efficacy studies were conducted in the US and EU. They demonstrated a reasonable safety profile and efficacy in the dogs treated, usually after 2 monthly doses were administered. However, as with all drugs used in veterinary medicine, safety and efficacy monitoring does not end when a medication is introduced to the market. The safety of all drugs used in the veterinary market in the UK is continually assessed by a regulatory body, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). The VMD uses feedback on drug use from owners, veterinary surgeons and the pharmaceutical manufacturers, to survey the effect and safety of the drugs while being used in the market.

As such, the list of potential adverse reactions maybe linked with Librela has been updated as of 2025:

• Balance problems or trouble walking
• Weakness or trouble standing
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Drinking more
• Urinating more
• Loss of bladder control
• Vomiting or diarrhoea

It’s important to note that Zoetis (the manufacturer) has issued a statement regarding the above adverse reactions dated 18th December, 2024:

“With over 21 million doses distributed globally, no individual adverse event sign has been reported at a rate higher than rare, as defined by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) – representing less than 10 occurrences per 10,000 treated animals.”

In addition to this, a veterinary-specialist led review of mobility adverse reactions of Librela was conducted and published on the 9th of May 2025. The study highlighted a potential ninefold increase in reports of unexpected lameness or mobility concerns after Librela was introduced to the market.

However, the study noted the limitations of associating Librela with these reports in dogs with concurrent underlying issues such as arthritis or pre-existing conditions. In short, they felt there was a far higher level of reported side effects than they would have expected and that has been reported in the use of other drugs, but they couldn’t look at each individual report to verify a definite link to Librela use. For example, if an arthritic dog jumped off a sofa and presented with lameness to a vet and the case was reported, this would be included in their study.

Furthermore, the study did caution and highlight the need for continuous surveillance of its usage. The main point of contention being that in humans, the inhibition of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) was linked to accelerated joint degeneration in some cases during clinical trials, resulting in a syndrome known as rapidly progressive osteoarthritis. It is important to note that this has not been conclusively demonstrated in dogs yet.

So, is Librela safe to use in my dog?

Ultimately, it has been used safely and effectively in many of our patients and the frequency of side effects reported to it are still rare. However, this does not mean there are no adverse reactions associated with it. As mentioned earlier, we always assess the risk and benefit to each, individual patient.

Most of our arthritic dogs are started on first line pain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs; Paracetamol (dog specific), off licence human medications and a range of other drugs in combination with appropriate interventions such as weight management and physiotherapy. However, every drug has its own set of potential adverse reactions, and in those cases, Librela has risen as an effective alternative management of osteoarthritis for some of our older patients, especially where other drugs have proven to not be safe for them or not as effective. Vets are governed by the ‘cascade system’, which is a legal framework that means we should always first prescribe medication formulated for the intended species and use, such as the licensed use of Librela for arthritis in dogs.

For those of you whose dogs are already receiving Librela, please be aware we are always monitoring any drug we use in our patients for its effect and safety. Our highly experienced nurses are fantastic at providing great care during the monthly injection appointments and a vet will normally review your pet every 6 months or sooner if we have concerns raised through you or by our nurses.

If your dog has one of the following issues after starting Librela or existing signs that seems to be worsening such as:

• Balance problems
• Trouble standing or walking
• Seizures
• Urinary problems
• Lack of effect in controlling pain

Then, please contact us so our vets can examine your pet and review their management. It’s important to note that most of our patients that receive Librela are our older pets. As such, many more conditions and diseases can cause signs identical to these adverse events. Progressive arthritis may invariably lead to further mobility issues and our arthritic pets can be more prone to the effects of a traumatic injury. By working together, we can identify and treat common conditions that maybe contributing to the above issues, and in the absence of any other cause, alter your pet’s treatment to more suitable medications.

As always, your pet’s health and welfare is paramount to everything that we do at Mayne Veterinary Clinic and the profession at large. We will share any updated information as it’s provided to us. Our vets are always happy to address any concerns you may have. Your pet’s comfort, mobility and safety will always be protected with us.

Your current yearly vaccination protocol covers for myxomatosis, RVHD1 and RVHD 2. You may or may not be aware that a new strain of RVHD2 that has been detected in the recent months which is highly virulent. This strain has primarily been detected in Europe (Hungary, France, Netherlands and Italy), with over 50% of the cases being confirmed as this new highly virulent strain. The presence of this new strain has not been reported in the UK, however as reported from past experience with previous strains of RVHD it is only a matter of time.

The current yearly vaccination your rabbit gets has not been tested to confirm whether it provides immunity against this new strain. Therefore, a new vaccine has been manufactured for this reason. However it means that your rabbit would now require two vaccinations a year.

In order for us to be able to offer this to our clients and their pets we would need to run a scheduled vaccination session over one morning, which we are proposing to be a Saturday. There are two reasons for this:

1) The new vaccination is currently only available as a multi dose bottle, rather than the single dose vials your rabbit would normally get.

2) The new vaccination once opened must be used within 10 hours.

What is RVHD?

‘Rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease’ can be spread by direct and indirect contact:

• Direct: coming into contact with infected and potentially unvaccinated rabbits
• Indirect: coming into contact with infected clothing, kennels, hutches, equipment

Clinical signs:

Unfortunately, the most common sign is sudden death dependent on the strain (RVHD 1 80-90% and RVHD2/variant strain 50-80%). Often there is no indication that your rabbit has been unwell until it is too late.

If they have acquired an acute or subacute form then symptoms are variable: fever, inappetance, neurological symptoms, breathing issues, jaundice, bloody nasal discharge.

Treatment:

There is not specific treatment for this disease, only supportive care for the symptoms. The most effectove way to get on top of this disease is stringent infection control measures, early vaccination in young rabbits and remaining up to date throughout their lifetime.

Frequently asked questions?

My rabbit isn’t due it’s usually vaccination until the summer, should I wait?

The short answer is no. We would advise, as would The Rabbit Welfare Association, to get your rabbits vaccinated against this new strain promptly. This vaccination cannot be given at the same time as the previous vaccination, there should be at least a 2 week period between the two.

My rabbit isn’t up to date on any of their vaccinations, what should I do?

To book an appointment with one of our vets for their vaccinations, please contact us by telephone on 01206 851338, message us on 07360541569 or book your appointment online via our website at https://www.maynevets.co.uk/. 

If your vaccinations are up to date, but you would like to register your interest in the new vaccine, then please contact us at Mayne Vets, once available we will be in touch.