Keep Your Rabbit COOL This Summer Summer is upon us and it is incumbent upon you to keep your rabbit cool as they do not tolerate heat well. The best way to do this is to keep bunny in the house with you, if this is impossible then make sure he has a well ventilated cage up off the ground and out of the sun. Set up a circulating fan that will breeze past your rabbit without blowing directly on him all day. You can also drape a damp towel over part of the cage so the fan will blow through the towel and create cooler air. Be sure to bunny-proof the fan cord! Place a ceramic tile in the cage or in bun's favorite place. The marble or tile stays cool for them to lie on. Place a few ice cubes in their water crock so the water is tempting and they can also lie against the cool crock. Change the water frequently. Mist the rabbit's ears. Rabbits dissipate heat through their ears and misting them will help keep the rabbit cool. Brush out excessive fur. If you have a long haired rabbit, consider cropping your bunny's coat short for the summer months. Fill 1 or 2 liter soda bottles with water and freeze them. Once frozen, put the frozen water bottle in Bun's cage so he can lean against it to keep cool. Keep a few of these on hand in your freezer. Be sure Bun is getting his fair share of veggies to help keep him hydrated.
Be especially watchful of rabbits over 5 years old or ones who are overweight or incapacitated. These rabbits tend to be more sedentary and may not get up to drink water if they are too hot. This can quickly lead to dehydration, which can lead to death or other health problems.
If your rabbit experiences heat stroke DO NOT submerge him in cold water. This could place the rabbit in shock. Dampen his ears and body with cool water. GET HIM TO YOUR VETERINARIAN OR EMERGENCY CLINIC IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT WAIT!
Again the best thing for your rabbit is to keep him indoors with you so that both of you stay cool and healthy together. Submitted by: If you have rabbit related questions you would like answered,
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