rabbits can feel uncomfortable on a hot dayrabbits can be kept in an environment at a temperature between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.There are a number of techniques you can use to keep your rabbit comfortable.If your rabbit is suffering from the heat, you need to act fast.
Step 1: Bring your bunny inside.
If you are concerned about your rabbit overheating outdoors on a warm day, just let it hang out inside.All electrical cords should be covered or hidden, the rooms your rabbit should not be in must be closed off, and the house needs to be cooler and bunny-proof first.Don't bring your rabbit indoors if it spends most of its time outside.Changes in environment can cause physical or emotional stress.While the bunny is indoors, keep an eye on it.Take it back outside and look for other ways to keep it cool.If your bathroom or another room has tiles on the floor, it can be a great place to play with your rabbit.
Step 2: Keep your rabbit out of the sun.
Your rabbit will want to seek shade when it is very hot.If there is a bright sun shining down on it, move it to a covered area.If it is not possible to move the rabbit, take it to a cooler location.If your rabbit is inside, closing curtains and blinds will keep the sun out.As the sun moves across the sky, you might have to periodically move the rabbit's house.The white color of the hutch will keep it cooler.
Step 3: Good air flow is a must.
Keeping the air circulating in and around your rabbit's hutch will help keep it cool.If the hutch is outdoors, keep it away from any walls so that it is free on all sides.You can place fans indoors.Many rabbits will not like the fans blowing directly on the hutch.
Step 4: There is a cover over the hutch.
You can provide additional shade by placing a light sheet, umbrella, or similar covering on top of your rabbit's hutch.If you are placing the cover directly on the cage, make sure it is made of a material that is Breathable, but plastic or very thick covers might make it too hot.
Step 5: The hutch needs to be cleaned with wet towels.
Additional cooling power can be provided by the covering on your rabbit's cage being damp.You can mist your rabbit's enclosure with water.This technique may make things worse if it is both hot and humid.When the humidity is low, use damp dowels or mist to cool your rabbit.
Step 6: The flooring should be cool.
When it gets hot, rabbits will dig around in the ground to find cooler places below the surface.If your rabbit is indoors, you can provide it with similar comfort by putting ceramic tiles on the floor.Some tiles can be found at a hardware store.It's a good idea to put them in the refrigerator for a while and then spray them with water.
Step 7: You should put an icepack in your rabbit's cage.
An icepack or a frozen water bottle can be used for automatic cooling.If you put one in your rabbit's house, it will lean against it for a hit of relief.It's a good idea to wrap the icepack or bottle in a towel before contact with the frozen item.If your rabbit chews on water bottles or plastic, keep the bottle/icepack on top of the cage, but not in it.
Step 8: Your rabbit has ears.
rabbits use heat from their ears to cool themselves.If you mist your rabbit's ears, you can help the process.You want to make the ears soft, but not soak them.If it is humid outside, you should skip this step.
Step 9: Provide a lot of water.
When the weather is warm, it is important to provide your rabbit with fresh water.If you want your rabbit to stay hydrated during the heat, give it a bowl of water and a dripper.Replenish both frequently.
Step 10: You can give your rabbit frozen vegetables.
You might want to get a treat to beat the heat.Your rabbit might like this as well.Get some relief by giving it frozen or chilled vegetables.If you are adventurous, you can puree some vegetables and freeze them in ice cube trays.If your pet is interested in its very own rabbit, give it one of the cubes and see if it likes it.
Step 11: Provide your rabbit with a treat.
Provide your bunny with one of its favorite treats if you are concerned about it being bothered by the heat.It might be better to have comfort food.It could be a sign that the rabbit is sick or affected by the heat.
Step 12: Don't handle the rabbit too much.
If your rabbit is used to being moved around, this can cause it to be stressed.This stress can be more than the rabbit can take when it is already uncomfortable.If you have to handle your rabbit during hot weather, you should do it early in the morning or at night since it will be cooler.
Step 13: Check the rabbit's temperature.
The normal body temperature for a rabbit is 103 F.Take the rabbit's temperature to be sure.If you want to check your pet's temperature, use a plastic rectal thermometer.If you don't know how to do this or are afraid of harming your rabbit, take it to the vet.
Step 14: Understand the signs of heat prostration.
When your rabbit is exposed to high temperatures, they may begin to suffer heat prostration, which is a form of heat exhaustion.It is more likely when the temperature is 92 F (33 C).There are some symptoms of heat prostration in rabbits.
Step 15: Quickly cool your rabbit.
If you notice that your rabbit is showing signs of heat prostration, you have to act quickly to save it.Make sure to keep the rabbit's head out of the water by placing it in a tub or basin of cool water for a few seconds.This will help bring your rabbit's temperature down.Bring your rabbit to the vet for an exam as soon as possible.