How to Keep Rabbits Cool in the Summer

Do you have a pet rabbit? Maybe you’re wondering how to keep rabbits cool in the summer?

Keeping bunnies cool in those hot summer months is not only important to keeping your bunny healthy and happy but it is very critical to their overall well being.

Rabbits are wonderful companions for both children and adults. They do not require vaccinations or frequent trips to the groomers. They do love a lot of attention and play time (running and jumping are some of a rabbits favorite things to do).

Rabbits can live from 8 to 15 years with the proper care and diet. So, to keep one’s beloved bunny out of the heat is just one simple way of helping a well cared for rabbit live a long and “hoppy” life. :)

Why Rabbits Overheat in the Summer

Rabbits in their natural environments usually burrow to get out of the heat. Their burrows are cool and have an even temperature.

Do Rabbits Sweat?

Rabbits also do not have the natural ability to sweat like we humans do. Rabbits can not pant like dogs or seek out a cool place like cats.

Especially, if a bunny is kept in an outside cage the temperature in his cage can be just as hot as the outside environment.

How Hot is too Hot for Rabbits?

Your rabbit has no way of seeking shade when confined in his cage. Temperatures that reach over 80 degrees can be detrimental to your rabbit.

Tips to Keep Your Bunny Cool:

Make sure your bunny has adequate shade to escape to.
Make sure bunny has enough cool water to drink.
Fill water or soda bottles with water and freeze. Place in cage for rabbit to lean on and keep cool.
Frozen fruits and vegetables. (Use sparingly).
Ice cubes in water dishes.
Fans to circulate the air and keep the rabbit cool.
Ceramic or marble tile placed in the bunny’s cage.
Bring bunny inside until temperatures become cool again.

What to Do if You Think Your Rabbit is Too Hot

Some signs that a bunny may be too hot are (& tips!):

Heavy breathing along with lethargy.
A pet rabbit may also not be interested in drinking or eating.
If there is reason to suspect the bunny is overheating it is very important to get the rabbit out of the heat as soon as possible.
Do not place in or spray with cold water. This could harm a rabbit.
Use a cool or damp cloth to apply to the rabbit’s ears. Rabbits lose heat through their ears.
Call a veterinarian for reassurance and advice if unsure of possible heatstroke.

Taking steps such as fans and frozen water bottles are just a few of the things that can keep rabbits from overheating and staying cool in the summer.

Providing shade, looking for signs of heatstroke, and remembering that excess temperatures are harmful can help keep a rabbit healthy and active for many years.

Additional Resources:

The House Rabbit Society and Best Friends Animal Society are just a couple of resources that are beneficial to the health and well being of rabbits and bunnies.