Hot Rabbits:
How to Cool Your Overheated Pet
http://www.adoptarabbit.com/articles/packet/heat.html
Rabbits do not do well in high temperature settings. During the
summer we must think of how our pets will survive the heat. Many
rabbits, including house rabbits, die each summer of heat-related
stress. A rabbit's optimal air temperature is between 50ºF and
70ºF. Many days in the summer have air temperatures approaching
80ºF to 95ºF. For rabbits outside in a hutch (even in a shady
area) or inside a house without air conditioning, this can be a
death sentence.
There are many ways to keep your rabbit cool. First and most
important, always make sure your rabbit has plenty of fresh cool
water available. If air conditioning is not an option, try a fan
strategically placed so the rabbit cannot be injured (e.g.
chewing the cord). When it is dangerously hot, immerse a light
cloth in cool water and hang it over the side of the cage or pen.
Then, have the fan blow on the cloth; this cools the air more
than the fan alone.
Another idea is to freeze a milk jug full of water and place it
in a large bowl in the rabbit's room or cage. Do not use 2-liter
bottles as they may fall on the rabbit or roll away when the
rabbit lies next to it. Use the bowl around the milk jug to keep
the puddles of condensation off the rabbit. Most rabbits will
soon lie down with their bodies pressed against the cold bowl.
The frozen milk jugs usually last about 8-10 hours depending on
the air temperature. If your rabbit does not lie next to the
frozen bowl, try a ceramic or marble tile (large enough for the
rabbit to rest on) placed in the cage. These can be frozen to
keep them cool longer. The tiles are inexpensive and can be
purchased at a local home-improvement store.
If preventative measures do not work and your rabbit appears to
be overheated, this can be an emergency. The best way to tell if
your rabbit is overheated is to take his temperature. The normal
rectal temperature of a rabbit is 100ºF to 103ºF. The best way to
take the temperature is to hold the rabbit on his back like a
baby and have another person insert the thermometer one inch into
the rectum. If using a glass thermometer leave it in for
approximately one minute. Digital thermometers usually take less
time, are safer, and are easier to use. If you need help learning
how to take your rabbit's temperature, ask your veterinarian to
show you how. Watch your rabbit for panting or lethargy or
feeling warm to the touch. If your rabbit's temperature is above
the normal range consult your veterinarian.
If you cannot get to the veterinary hospital in a timely manner,
there are some home procedures you can employ until your rabbit
can be examined. Lightly spritz your rabbit with a spray bottle
of water. Be careful not to drench your rabbit because this will
mat the hair and hold in the body heat. Try pushing the hair
against the grain with one hand and spritzing the skin with the
other. Avoid spraying the rabbit in the face or ears. To cool the
ears, place a cloth in cool water (not cold) and dab the ears. If
your rabbit is severely overheated you may try a cool water bath.
Do not place your rabbit completely under water. Be careful that
your rabbit does not struggle and injure himself during any of
these procedures.
If you are unable to do any of these procedures, please take your
pet to your rabbit-knowledgeable veterinarian for care.
Overheating can be fatal to your rabbit. Take preventative
precautions and consult your veterinarian if necessary.
Have a safe and cool summer. Your rabbit will thank you!
See Also:
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