Crossriggs Veterinary Clinic

16/07/2025

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre Needs You

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre, located just outside Beith, is a crucial sanctuary for Scotland’s injured and orphaned wild animals.

For decades, it has provided care and rehabilitation for creatures ranging from hedgehogs and owls to deer and seabirds.

However, recent changes in guidance from the Scottish SPCA encourage the public to take small wild animals directly to vets, placing extra pressure on rescue centers like Hessilhead.

As a result, Hessilhead is experiencing a surge in calls and urgent admissions.

The dedicated team is stretched thin, working tirelessly to manage the influx of wildlife in need. They ask for patience during this challenging time, as every call is vital.

One of the most pressing needs is for transport volunteers. These individuals play a key role in rescuing animals from distress and bringing them to safety, whether that’s Hessilhead or a local vet.

You don't need any formal qualifications, just a car, a phone, and a heart for animals in need.

If you can help, please call Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre at 01505 502415. Your assistance can truly save lives.

Additionally, if you take a wild animal to a vet, please provide detailed information about where it was found to ensure its safe rehabilitation.

Let’s unite as a community to support these animals. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

📞 Volunteer Transport: 01505 502415
📍 Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre, Beith, Scotland
🌐 Website: www.hessilhead.org.uk
💚 Follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

12/07/2025

We had these lovely pups back in this morning for their VIP checks. It's fair to say they've grown in 6 months! They can hardly fit on the table anymore 🤣🐾

11/07/2025

11/07/2025

We all know how important it is to keep our dogs and cats cool on warm days, but may not realise that it's just as important for small animals too ⛅

Small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and rats should be kept cool and hydrated during warm weather to prevent them from developing life-threatening heatstroke.

Signs of heatstroke in small pets:
- Drooling.
- Quick breaths.
- Struggling to breathe.
- Acting very sleepy or lethargic.
- Collapsing.
- Seizures.

It's also a good idea to keep on top of cleaning their enclosures to prevent flystrike or a build up of wet bedding and mouldy food 🐰🐰

Learn more:
Rabbits - https://pdsa.me/gLqU
Guinea pigs - https://pdsa.me/EEcU
Other small pets - https://pdsa.me/RlMU

[Visual description: An infographic titled: "Keeping small pets cool." It features tips such as: Keeping pets in the shade, offering safe watery fruits and vegetables (in moderation), swapping out plastic houses for something cooler like cardboard boxes, freezing a water bottle and wrapping it in a towel before placing it next to your pets' enclosure, placing a fan in their room but not pointed directly at them (making sure they can't nibble any wires), grooming long-haired or fluffy pets, refreshing their water every day, and putting a cool tile or empty ceramic bowl/tea cup in their enclosure for them to sit on/in.]

28/06/2025

Finally, at the end of Rabbit Awareness Week we would like to share these lovely photos of Dexter, who was at the practice two weeks ago for some dental treatment with Iain. Dexter is an older rabbit now but was a superstar and got lots of cuddles and attention from Hannah, Jennifer and Ceara! He is now doing really well at home and enjoying his food a lot more now that his mouth is feeling better ❤️
We are happy to see rabbits all year round and not just in Rabbit Awareness Week 😀

27/06/2025