Your rabbit may suffer from heat stroke at one point.While it's possible for any kind of rabbit to get heat stroke, rabbits that have thick or long coats of fur, are overweight, or are older are more likely to suffer from heatstroke.You should always pay attention to the signs of heat stress in your pet.This is important for rabbits since they try to hide when in distress.
Step 1: Pay attention to the rabbit.
If your rabbit is suffering from heat stroke, you may notice something isn't right.Your rabbit may be very confused and stressed.Take care with your rabbit.Health damage can be caused by rough handling or extra stress.
Step 2: Monitor the rabbit's breathing.
If your rabbit is panting, look for fast breathing.While keeping his mouth open, your rabbit may only be able to take shallow shallow breaths.He's breathing through his nose.While he struggles to breathe, he may toss his head from side to side.
Step 3: Look for drooling.
Your rabbit may forget that he needs to swallow if he concentrates very hard on breathing.This causes him to salivate.The difficulty in breathing and drooling is a sign of heat stroke.If your rabbit has heat stroke, the fur around his nose and nostrils may be wet.
Step 4: You should watch your rabbit's movements.
If your rabbit has heat stroke, he won't move a lot.He might be slow and uncoordinated when he does move.Your rabbit may be weak on his legs.Some rabbits have convulsions because of heat stroke.
Step 5: The rabbit's ears should be checked.
The inner part of your rabbit's ears is furred.You should be able to see small blood vessels in the skin which give the ears a pink, red, or flushed appearance.The blood vessels dilate due to heat stroke.The ears are hot to the touch.The rabbit's fur may be dull or spiky.
Step 6: Take into account the weather.
If it's a hot day, ask yourself if heat stroke is likely.Think about if your rabbit has been in the sun.He might have access to water and shade.These factors can help you determine how serious the risk of heat stroke is and what you need to do to help your rabbit.
Step 7: The rabbit is in the heat.
If you suspect your rabbit has heat stroke, you need to cool him down.Bring him out of the heat and into a cooler environment.If your rabbit is in a room with full sun, move him into a shady air-conditioned room.You should start cooling your rabbit before you take him, because you may think you should rush to the vet.
Step 8: Your rabbit's fur should be cool.
He needs a fan to blow cool air over his fur.This will lower your rabbit's temperature.You can blow air over his fur to make it cooler.The extreme temperature change could shock your rabbit, so don't apply ice or water.
Step 9: Water should be offered to drink.
It's a good idea to give your water plenty of fresh cool drinking water.He doesn't have to move far to drink if you place the bottle water dropper beside him.Your rabbit can choose between the bowl of water and the bottle water dropper.Keeping your rabbit hydrated is the main thing.You can keep the water cold by putting ice cubes in it.
Step 10: Know when to seek medical help.
The first sign of heat stroke is to move the rabbit to a cooler area.Your rabbit needs immediate veterinary care since heat stroke can be lethal very quickly.In extreme cases, the vet may put your rabbit on IV fluids to cool his blood and support his organs.
Step 11: Use frozen bottles to keep your rabbit warm.
When the weather warms up, keep an eye on your rabbit's comfort.It's a good idea to freeze large water bottles.If your rabbit starts getting hot out, you can place them next to it.If you use an old soda bottle, be sure to remove the plastic wrapper so your rabbit doesn't chew it.
Step 12: There is lots of fresh water.
If you'll be gone most of the day, you might want to set out two bottle water feeders for your rabbit.Your rabbit will have enough to drink.Adding ice cubes to the bottle water feeders will keep the water cool.
Step 13: Use a fan.
There is a small fan near the rabbit's cage.The breeze can keep your rabbit cool.Make sure your rabbit can't access the electrical cords if you set up a fan.Rabbits love to chew, so keep them out of his way.
Step 14: There's plenty of shade.
If you keep your rabbit outside, he should have shady places to rest.It doesn't mean you have to keep your rabbit locked up.Make sure the trees and leafy plants are large enough for your rabbit to get out of the sun.If your rabbit has dark-colored fur, this is important.