Preventing and Curing Heat Stroke in Rabbits
We've all heard the tale. "It was really hot out and my rabbit just died."
This can be prevented. Often, it's the owner's neglect that kills the rabbit in the hot summer months. If you are vigilant, and watchful over your rabbit, you shouldn't ever have a problem with heat stroke. It's a big deal; rabbits are killed all over the world because they get too hot.
Summer is much worse on rabbits then winter is. In the winter, a rabbit can grow a thick fluffy coat to keep him warm. In the summer, the rabbit will molt, but he still can't rid himself of all his fur.
Lops are especially susceptible to heat stroke. Rabbits release heat through their ears, where some of the major blood vessels are, so it's important to keep their ears cool with ice cubes when the weather gets above 80*.
HOW TO PREVENT HEAT STROKE
Rabbits are susceptible to heat stroke if it gets above 80 degrees.
I know we all have busy lives. And most of us work and have children that go to school, so there isn't always someone at home to watch the rabbit during the hottest time of day.
If you know the day is going to be 80 or more degrees, but will need to spend the day away, give the rabbit a crock of ice or a frozen water bottle. The rabbit will lie against it and lick the ice to keep cool. Provide the rabbit with all the cool, fresh water the rabbit can drink.
Rabbits will eat less on the hot days so don't worry if he doesn't eat as much as usual.
If your rabbit is outside, move the hutch into a shaded area or even inside if you are that worried about him getting too hot.
Sometimes, no matter what you do, your rabbit will still get too hot and get heat stroke.
WHAT DOES HEAT STROKE LOOK LIKE?
When a rabbit has heat stroke, it may act frantic and confused, or unnaturally tired and lazy. It will have a wet nose and chin, from drool, and excessive drooling is a sign of heat stroke. It will be panting and its ears will be warm.
Heat stroke is very dangerous. You need to act fast.
HOW TO CURE HEAT STROKE
Bring your rabbit into a basement or inside to a cool room. Rub ice cubes in his ears. If he still doesn't perk up within a few minutes, put the rabbit in a basin of cool (but not COLD, we don't want to shock him!), water or spray him with a spray bottle. Don't get the rabbit's face wet; only his ears (with ice cubes, not actually in the water), and his legs, tummy and back. Don't soak his whole body.
You can also give your rabbit some frozen herbs, such as mint (helps with cooling), or parsley. Your rabbit will most likely still eat these treats if the heat stroke isn't too bad.
If this still doesn't work, your rabbit is already too far gone. This is rare, usually if you start working to cool him down quickly enough and are sure to take the necessary steps to prevent heat stroke he will perk up soon enough and be fine.
This can be prevented. Often, it's the owner's neglect that kills the rabbit in the hot summer months. If you are vigilant, and watchful over your rabbit, you shouldn't ever have a problem with heat stroke. It's a big deal; rabbits are killed all over the world because they get too hot.
Summer is much worse on rabbits then winter is. In the winter, a rabbit can grow a thick fluffy coat to keep him warm. In the summer, the rabbit will molt, but he still can't rid himself of all his fur.
Lops are especially susceptible to heat stroke. Rabbits release heat through their ears, where some of the major blood vessels are, so it's important to keep their ears cool with ice cubes when the weather gets above 80*.
HOW TO PREVENT HEAT STROKE
Rabbits are susceptible to heat stroke if it gets above 80 degrees.
I know we all have busy lives. And most of us work and have children that go to school, so there isn't always someone at home to watch the rabbit during the hottest time of day.
If you know the day is going to be 80 or more degrees, but will need to spend the day away, give the rabbit a crock of ice or a frozen water bottle. The rabbit will lie against it and lick the ice to keep cool. Provide the rabbit with all the cool, fresh water the rabbit can drink.
Rabbits will eat less on the hot days so don't worry if he doesn't eat as much as usual.
If your rabbit is outside, move the hutch into a shaded area or even inside if you are that worried about him getting too hot.
Sometimes, no matter what you do, your rabbit will still get too hot and get heat stroke.
WHAT DOES HEAT STROKE LOOK LIKE?
When a rabbit has heat stroke, it may act frantic and confused, or unnaturally tired and lazy. It will have a wet nose and chin, from drool, and excessive drooling is a sign of heat stroke. It will be panting and its ears will be warm.
Heat stroke is very dangerous. You need to act fast.
HOW TO CURE HEAT STROKE
Bring your rabbit into a basement or inside to a cool room. Rub ice cubes in his ears. If he still doesn't perk up within a few minutes, put the rabbit in a basin of cool (but not COLD, we don't want to shock him!), water or spray him with a spray bottle. Don't get the rabbit's face wet; only his ears (with ice cubes, not actually in the water), and his legs, tummy and back. Don't soak his whole body.
You can also give your rabbit some frozen herbs, such as mint (helps with cooling), or parsley. Your rabbit will most likely still eat these treats if the heat stroke isn't too bad.
If this still doesn't work, your rabbit is already too far gone. This is rare, usually if you start working to cool him down quickly enough and are sure to take the necessary steps to prevent heat stroke he will perk up soon enough and be fine.