By Jade Perry, Behavior Specialist
For some of us, summer is a long-awaited time of year, and we dream of lounging under the sun in the blissful heat. Something to consider though, is that your four-legged friends may not feel the same! Summer heat can be very dangerous and uncomfortable for pets, so it’s important to know their limits and what to do as responsible pet owners to keep them cool and healthy. It is especially important to think of your rabbits when summer comes around. Although they most likely don’t spend their time outside in the summer heat, it can still be dangerous for them inside!
The normal body temperature for rabbits ranges from 101.3-104°F. They use their ears to help regulate their body temperature, but only to a degree. They cannot sweat or pant to cool off, so this combined with their thick fur coat makes them at high risk for overheating. When the temperature reaches 77°F it becomes dangerous for rabbits, and they risk hyperthermia. Hyperthermia in rabbits is much easier to prevent than it is to treat, so housing is especially important during the summer.
They should be housed in a well-ventilated space where there is ample shade. Ideally the temperature of the room should be between 60-70°F. If the space you normally house your rabbit in is too warm, you may need to consider moving them to a cooler space or setting up oscillating fans with the cords out of reach. It is also helpful to have a large ceramic tile for them to lounge on which you can chill in the fridge beforehand – this helps them regulate their body temperature. Rabbits should also have access to plenty of water, and you can even add some ice cubes for extra cooling. If these precautions are not enough to keep your bunny cool, consider freezing some water bottles to keep in their area. Mist their ears with cool water or even get them a fresh summer haircut. It is also extremely important and beneficial to keep them as low stress as possible.
Prevention of hyperthermia is important because treatment is tricky. Hyperthermia can be fatal for buns – it is considered a medical emergency if your rabbit is experiencing hyperthermia, so you need to act quick! Signs to look out for include increased breathing rate, open mouthed breathing, warm ears and feet, blue-tinged mouth and nose, lethargy, seizures and collapse. If you notice any of these signs or behaviors call your vet immediately. Do not dip or submerge your rabbit in cold water as this can cause them to go into shock. Instead move them to a cool ventilated location, wet their ears and mist their belly and back legs with cool water. Hyperthermia is scary but preventable, which is why it is important to be proactive and protect your rabbit to set them up for healthy summer living!