Now that summer is here, many of us are relishing in the gloriously hot weather, but our dogs might not be feeling nearly as blessed.
Particularly susceptible to heat exhaustion, rabbits depend on their caretakers to provide them with a cooler environment during the summer. In order to keep rabbits cool, wild rabbits will burrow under trees or bushes. In this article, we’ll examine how pet owners can keep rabbits cool in the summer.
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How to keep a rabbit cool
Make Sure Your Rabbit Has Enough Shade
Try to avoid placing your rabbit hutch in direct sunlight. In particular, metal cabinets have a rapid rate of heating up and hold the heat all day. It is best to place your cabinet in a shaded part of your garden, ideally beneath a tree or big bush, to let some light in and shield your bunnies from the sun. If you can’t move your cabinet, consider setting up a big sun canopy nearby. This will assist in reducing the sun’s intensity.
This also holds for your rabbit run, which is entirely exposed to the sun’s damaging rays due to its wire mesh construction. They may enjoy their workout time without worrying about sweating if they have a lightweight cover that keeps the area aired and lets the breeze pass through while providing shade from the sun.
Try lining the rabbit cage with slate or ceramic tiles. Your bunnies will enjoy the sensation of the chilly material against their body when they lie on top of them. Inside the cabinet, a tunnel or hideaway is a terrific idea as well—perfect for an additional layer of shade.
Give your rabbit clean, fresh water
In the heat, it’s important to have a constant supply of fresh water, which should be refilled throughout the day. Your bunny will have enough liquids available to them with a combination of water bowls and bottles; in fact, they could even want to lie in the bowls during really hot weather.
Both adding ice cubes to the water bowl and providing a supply of fresh veggies may help provide some reprieve from the heat. Your rabbit will love snacking on these during those long, hot days while being hydrated because they naturally contain a lot of water.
Keep the Fly Away
Maybe the most bothersome thing about summer is the flies! They are the most obstinate critters that may irritate us to the point of distraction; sadly, they can affect our bunnies in the same way.
It’s critical to keep flies away from your rabbit hutch since they can injure your rabbit severely if they lay eggs on it. Thorough cleanliness is crucial, and the only thing that will keep these pests away is routine cleaning of your pet’s bedding and litter. If there are flies in the area around your rabbit hutch, you should hang some flypaper close by (out of your rabbit’s reach) and keep an eye out for any indications of an infestation. Not only will keeping your rabbit well-groomed and free of extra hair help them stay cooler throughout the summer, but it will also reduce the number of locations where flies may lay their eggs.
How to Recognize the Signs of Heat Stroke in Rabbits
For rabbits and other small animals, heatstroke can be lethal. You will have time to undo the consequences of heat stroke if you can identify its signs early on. The primary signs to be aware of are:
shallow, rapid breathing
dampness surrounding the nose
breathing quickly through an open mouth and reversing their head
warm ears
Take your bunny indoors right away and into a cool, well-ventilated environment if you suspect heat stroke. Apply a cool compress to their ears instead of soaking them in cold water since this could shock them. Keep them quiet and provide them with lots of fresh, cold water. Take them to your local veterinarian right away if they don’t seem to be improving quickly.