During the summer, temperatures of 80 degrees or more can be harmful to your rabbit. Because rabbits can tolerate the cold easier, they are less able to tolerate very warm or hot temperatures. When rabbits are exposed to warm temperatures, they are more likely to develop heatstroke and that can be fatal. To prevent your rabbit from getting heatstroke, it is important to follow these simple steps:
- Give your rabbit a cool place to rest. If your rabbit is an outdoor rabbit, try to move your rabbit indoors on a hot, humid day. If this is not possible, keep your rabbit�s hutch in a covered, shady area.
- If your rabbit stays indoors, but there is no air conditioning, move your rabbit to the coolest area in the house and open the windows to get the air moving. You may also want to set up a fan in the room to help circulate the air. Do not have the fan blowing directly on your rabbit.
- Keep your rabbit hydrated with cool water. Offer your rabbit cool, clean water many times throughout the day. You can help prevent heatstroke by getting your rabbit to drink water. A great waterer for rabbits is the Emerald Tints Water Bottle. This water bottle has a green tint that helps to block indoor and outdoor UV rays.
- If your water appears to be suffering from the heat, you may also want to place a cool towel around the ears. This will help to cool your rabbit�s blood quickly.
- Offer your rabbit a cool spot to rest in the hutch. Place your rabbit�s mat, such as the Small Animal Multi-Mat, in the freezer for a few minutes to cool it quickly and then place it back in your rabbit�s hutch for an easy and quick cooling solution.
If you notice that your rabbit has become lethargic, has trouble breathing and has a high body temperature, cool your rabbit as soon as possible using the techniques above and take your rabbit to the nearest vet for further treatment.
