Simple Steps to Cool Down Your Overheated Rabbit

Heat is the worst enemy a rabbit can have.  In summer, a rabbit can experience heat that can extremely affect their health and well-being.  It can get so hot for rabbits that a number of them die due to extreme heat.  It is very important to place rabbit hutches in a place where the air is cool, like near the woods or trees.

You can even take the cage to an air conditioned room or let an electric fan blow on it.  If your rabbit is still not relieved by this, then it is time to take him to the veterinarian for proper care.  Here are several signs that you need to watch out for to determine if your rabbit is overheated.

The easiest way to detect an overheated rabbit is to take his temperature through the use of either a glass or digital thermometer.  Two persons are needed to accomplish this task, one to hold the rabbit down and the other to insert the apparatus into the rabbit’s rectum.  You may have difficulty doing this at first but will eventually become adept at it.

Thermometers made of glass usually need to be left inside the rectum for a minute while a digital thermometer takes much lesser time.  A digital thermometer is better to use because it is safer and easier to handle.  Remember that the normal rectal temperature of rabbits is 100 degrees Fahrenheit and if goes beyond that then your rabbit is experiencing too much heat and should be taken to the doctor.

By observing your rabbit, you can also learn if he is overheated or not.  Tilting of the head is a sign that the rabbit is having difficulty in breathing.  The heat will cause him to breathe heavily and he will need care and proper medication.

Give him emergency care before taking him out of the shade and into the car because the air is hotter outside.  Squirt a little water on your rabbit taking extra care not to wet him too much.  Do not spray into his face or ears and to help in lessening the heat, wet a cloth with cool water and apply to the rabbit’s ears in order to cool him down even for just a little bit.

If your rabbit is seriously overheated, you can give him a bath with cool water.  Be very careful in handling your rabbit and do not immerse him into the water.  Always bear in mind that your rabbit can die because of overheating and that you must seek immediate medical care for him the moment he shows signs of overheating.

To find a suitable rabbit cage for your pet rabbit, visit The Rabbit Hutch Blog for quality rabbit hutches and homes and also more tips on keeping rabbits.