Keeping your rabbit cool in the summer
Summertime can be lovely, however with rising temperatures due to global warming, it can be difficult to keep cool as a human being, let alone a rabbit. Keeping your rabbit cool in hot temperatures is not always a straightforward task.
Most rabbits can manage in temperatures ranging from 10-21 degrees Celsius (50-70 Fahrenheit), but this varies on what temperature your rabbit is used to, the humidity, air quality, and their breed.
When temperatures rise, you will need to keep an especially close eye on your rabbit. A good way to tell how hot your rabbit is, is to check its ears. Rabbits regulate their body temperature by their ears, and by simply touching their ears, you should be able to tell when your rabbit is overwarm. Ensure you know the signs of heatstroke in rabbits, and also flystrike, both of which pose risks to your rabbit in warmer temperatures.
The signs of heatstroke in rabbits:
· Quickened breathing and panting
· Warm ears
· Weakness
· Salvilating
· Convulsions
· Confusion
Flystrike is a horrible disease in rabbits. It occurs when flies lie their eggs on a rabbit’s fur and maggots feed on the rabbit. This can be fatal for the rabbit, and result in loss of fur, wounds, and sores. It is important to keep your rabbits bedding clean and dry, and check for any soiled fur on your rabbit.
Signs of flystrike in rabbits:
· Loss of appetite
· Lack of energy
· Open wounds or sores
· A pungent or bad smell from your rabbit
· Loss of fur
· Maggots on your rabbit
It is important to note that your rabbit may experience other symptoms than the ones listed here, and these notes are not exhaustive.
There are measures you can take to ensure your rabbit is safe during the hotter temperatures and warmer weather.
~ Ensure your rabbit has enough cold water in their water bottle or water bowl. It is likely they will drink more water in hotter temperatures, so you will need to be careful they have enough water. You could also provide whatever salad or lettuce bits they have normally with a little water soaked into them to keep your rabbit hydrated.
~ You could invest in a cooling mat or ceramic tiles near your rabbit and encourage them to lie on the mat or tiles. You can also pick up ice packs that some rabbits might like to lie next to. These should help to keep your rabbit cool.
~ If not regularly done, groom or trim your rabbit. This is necessary regardless of the temperature, especially for some breeds like Angora rabbits, however it is very important in the heat. It will help keep your rabbit cool, and make it easier for your rabbit to keep their fur clean which will ensure your rabbit has a better chance at avoiding flystrike. Additionally, it should make it easier for you to check for flystrike signs in your rabbit and managing the length of their fur.
~ If your rabbit is primarily outdoors, be sure you provide lots of shade for your rabbit. You could place a sunshade to provide shade for your rabbit. In very hot temperatures, you may want to consider moving them indoors if it is cooler inside.
~ If your rabbit is indoors, open windows to create a breeze, and keep blinds or curtains closed if possible. You could turn on air conditioning, if you have it, or a fan. If using a fan, you may need to move it out of your rabbit’s reach, and be weary of the noise of the fan and how your rabbit responds to it.
~ If you are unable to keep the room suitably cool, you might want to consider relocating your rabbit temporarily to a different, cooler room.
Do not, under any circumstance, attempt to put your rabbit in cold water or encourage them to swim. This could be fatal for your rabbit.
For more information, there are links below:
https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/rabbit/advice/rabbit-care-in-the-summer-heat/
https://www.medivet.co.uk/pet-care/pet-advice/five-ways-to-care-for-your-rabbit-in-the-heat/
https://www.rabbitholehay.com/blogs/rabbit-hole-hay-blog/how-to-cool-your-rabbit-in-the-summertime
