Wisconsin Forums

[AJE]

A Bunnies biggest summer killer is Heat Stroke.
This is an important concern that every rabbit owner must know about in order to keep the buns alive. Rabbits are not tolerable to heat and are thus highly susceptible. When the temperatures rise above 29° Celsius or 85° Fahrenheit, humidity levels are above 70%, or inadequate shade and/or ventilation can all contribute to heat exhaustion.


The main symptoms of Heat Stroke; may include panting rapidly (open mouth breathing), weakness; ears are red hue, refusal to move, slobbering (drooling), delirium (feverish), convulsions (spasms) and sadly eventual death.


With proper measure every rabbit owner can help to prevent Heat Stroke. Here are several tips, which I use for my cherished bunnies.

:arrow: While Outside

·Make sure the bunny is out of the direct sun. Several times a week I take my (indoor) bunnies outside, whether it’s to be groomed in the confines of a small pet pen or to be walked via leash. Regardless, the best time to have them out is either dawn or dusk. The heat won’t be as intense, but if they do need to be out at other times of the day make sure to allow plenty of shade for your little one to rest.

·I find it handy to drape heavy blankets to obscure the direct suns rays.

·I also have available a hefty crock dish filled with cold icy water and have purchased several wooden pets hide-a-ways/tents for them to hide inside.

·It is another good idea to have a mist spray: rabbits don’t sweat they actually dissipate heat through the ears. Every so often, mist the rabbit’s ears to help keep them cooler. You can also apply cool running water to the earflaps especially to the lop-eared rabbits.


:arrow: While Inside

·It’s a good idea to set up a circulating fan that will breeze past your rabbit but not blowing directly on him (we don’t want to worry about respiratory problems). You can also damp a towel to drape over the cage allowing the fan to blow cold air into the cage. Remember that some do chew, so make sure to bunny proof the cord connecting to the fan.

·It is also a good idea to place a ceramic tile or marble flat in the cage, these will stay cool and it’s probably more comfortable than the wire mesh anyway.

·Fill 1 or 2 liter soda bottles with water and freeze them. Frozen bottles can then be placed inside of the bunnies’ cages so they can lean their hot little bodies against for a cool down.


:arrow: Just a Extra Tidbit

·It’s a necessity to brush out the winter hide; I mean would you want to wear your winter jacket in the summer? I’ve never had any longhaired rabbits but if I did I definitely would crop the coat maximize the comfort during the summer season.

·Rabbits over 5 years need some extra TLC, handicapped or if they are heavy. These bunnies tend to be more inactive and may not be capable accessing water when they become hot so remember to keep your eye on them.


:arrow: Heat Stroke Occurs
·Never submerge the rabbit in cold water. This may worsen the condition by placing the bunny into shock. DO dampen its ears and body with cool water; a towel will do the job.

·Next get it HELP. Immediately get him into a vet or emergency clinic. Do Not Wait; its life is at stake.

Prevention is of course the best course of action. The simple things such as providing your rabbit with adequate shade, shelter and ventilation can mean the difference between life and death. In addition on those hot days you can also provide your rabbit with the extra comfort of a continuous mist of cool water or a fan operating alone or over a container of ice. Please always provide your rabbit with cold water and ice cubes/blocks.