Providing Information About Rabbits

Heat Stroke & Your Rabbit

Rabbits, do not do well in the heat and are highly susceptible to heat stroke/heat stress. Temperatures above 29° Celsius or 85° Fahrenheit , humidity levels above 70%, inadequate shade and/or ventilation as well as stress can all contribute to heat stroke. Therefore, keeping your rabbit cool during the summer months is vital to the survival of your rabbit. You must also remember that rabbits kept indoors can also fall victim to heat stroke, especially if there is no air conditioning.

To help prevent heat stroke, ensure your rabbit has lots of cool water. A bowl of cool drinking water not only helps keep a rabbit hydrated but they might also use it as an ear dip to help cool themselves. A rabbit's temperature is regulated through their ears. Using a fan, directed towards the rabbit will also help keep them cool. Another option is to take frozen bottles of water and wrap them in a towel and place them in your rabbit's cage thus giving them something cold to snuggle up with or by giving them ice cubes, either in the water bowl or in the cage to play with.

Should you suspect heat stroke, contact your veterinarian immediately. Indications of heat stroke may include open mouth breathing (this may be interpreted as panting, even though rabbits do not pant), slobbering, weakness, in-coordination, delirium, convulsions and eventually death. Other indications can be red/hot ears, refusal to move about and an internal temperature higher than 40.5° C or 105° F.

If you cannot get your rabbit to the vet right away, immediate treatment options are to spray/spritz the rabbit with water and/or apply a cool damp cloth to the earflaps. In severe cases you might also try a tepid bath. If your rabbit seems to be coming around after treatment it is extremely important that your rabbit consume tepid water or pedialyte to help replenish dehydration.

Disclaimer: Raising House Rabbits takes no responsibility for the use or misuse of any information in this article. If you are suspect your rabbit is sick or consult your local veterinarian.

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