Keep Your Rabbit Safe and Healthy in the Hot Summer Months

While shelter from cold weather is something often emphasized in the construction of rabbit hutches and so forth, how to handle hot weather is sometimes overlooked.

Look to rabbit behavior in the wild for clues - rabbit warrens are in the dark, cool underground and rabbits come out to feed in the early morning and at dusk.

In the wild, rabbits avoid being out in the bright, hot, afternoon sunshine. So domestic rabbits aren't good at handling hot weather, either.

Here are some tips for keeping your rabbit safe and healthy during the hot summer months.

1. Shade

If your rabbit is outside, make sure it has access to shade. Direct sunlight can kill a rabbit quickly, sources warn.

This is because excessive heat may cause your rabbit's brain to swell. If your shade comes from trees, make sure there is a shaded area at all times of the day.

Shade in the morning can turn to direct sunlight in the afternoon, and vice versa.

2. Air Movement

If possible, set up a fan to blow into and through your rabbit's hutch. A misting fan may help even more.

3. Ice

To allow your rabbit to cool off, try freezing some plastic bottles full of water (caps on).

Then wire the bottles lengthwise along the outside bottom of one side of the cage. Your rabbit can lean up against these and cool off.

Consider adding ice cubes to your rabbit's water bottle, too.

4. Hot Bunnies

If, despite your precautions, your rabbit gets overheated, what should you do? First, here are the signs of overheating in rabbits:

-A very wet mouth and muzzle
-Lethargy
-Lying sprawled out at the bottom of the hutch or cage
-Panting and/or heavy breathing
-Convulsions (only in extreme cases)

Your rabbit may also dip its ears into its water bowl (if you have one) to try to cool itself.

The ears are the rabbit's primary means of cooling off, sources point out; this is why a hot rabbit will sometimes try to wet its ears.

If you see these symptoms in your rabbit, get your rabbit out of the heat immediately. Wet it with cool water, such as spraying gently with a hose or dipping your bunny in the sink.

Try to get the rabbit thoroughly wet and cooled. If you can get your bunny inside into air conditioning, all the better.

Then a visit to the vet is a good idea to help your rabbit can recover from the trauma of overheating.

Kaytee Igloo Hideout, Giant

SunGrow Natural Seagrass Edible chew mat for Rabbits, Chinchillas, Guinea Pigs and Rodents by Ideal as Bed for Extra Comfort - Pet Loves chomping, Gnawing and Digging on Hand-Woven Sturdy Grass mat

Kaytee Critter Trail Bedding Tray Habitat - 3/Pack

Rabbit Harness & Leash - For running, walking, jogging Hands-free - Allows bunny to Hop Unrestricted - Stylish Accessory - Soft, breathable mesh nylon fabric - Adjustable with touch fasteners

Petsfit 16 X 9 X 9 Inches Pet Carrier EVA , Soft-sided Pet Carrier, Cat Carrier,Ferret Carrier,Bunny Carrier for Small Pet Only

Yosoo Pet Carrier Premium Travel Outdoor Mesh Backpack Carry Bag Accessory Dog Cat Rabbit Small Pets Cage House (Black)

5. Cold Treats

Giving your rabbit cold, juicy vegetables and fruits like carrots, apples, and lettuce may help, too.

Try to refrigerate fresh rabbit treats before giving them to your bunny on a hot day.

Check the post below here to see some examples of ideal pet rabbit homes and hutches for all seasons!

Get the best prices online, for convenient home delivery.

What’s your biggest issue? How do you handle it – or can you think of any additional tips you can share with others if you don’t have an issue with this in your life?

Share them with us in our Comments – or share this blog post on Twitter or Facebook or wherever you feel it could help someone you know.

Cheers, Helene Malmsio

Related Reading: https://www.discoveryhub.net/tips-to-survive-extreme-heat-conditions.html

"Power Tips" magazine is back!
You Get A Free Complete Self Help Report delivered to your email box every edition, plus you get a free PLR article and other great gifts!

SUBSCRIBE BELOW ...  I promise you will want to USE what you learn!

I really want to know what you think of this site, this page, and to hear your tips or suggestions about it.

So please share your story or simply add a Comment in the comment box.

If you feel that the information on this page has been useful to you please give it a Like or share it with your friends - thanks!!

"You are a life Saver!!

I recently discovered this site and I can tell you that my life has not been the same. I now come here EVERYDAY and spend at least 1 hour.

I used to spend that time browsing online fashion and beauty magazine which just means that I spend more. Now I have replaced that habit with coming here.

In future I will think about contributing articles as well. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! and God bless"

Contact Us | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | FAQ | Testimonials

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.