By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Because wild rabbits are everywhere in Australia, it is easy to assume they cope well with heat. They do not. Wild rabbits survive our summers by staying active in the cool of morning and evening and spending the hot part of the day underground in burrows, where it is much cooler. A pet rabbit in a hutch or run does not have that option, so they rely on us to keep them safe.
Key takeaways
- RSPCA Australia gives rabbits' comfortable range as 15 to 25°C, with humidity around 55 to 60%.
- Heat stress can happen above 30°C. Above 35°C, rabbits cannot regulate their body temperature and can develop heatstroke.
- Early signs include drooling, fast shallow breathing, weakness, red and warm ears, and a wet nose.
- If you suspect heatstroke, call your vet immediately and cool your rabbit gently. Never pour water over a rabbit.
- Shade, multiple water sources, airflow and good grooming are the foundations of prevention.
- Related: lop-eared rabbit care, obesity in rabbits, myxomatosis.
Why rabbits struggle in the heat
Heat stress happens when a rabbit cannot shed heat as fast as it builds up. RSPCA Australia lists four factors that combine to cause it:
- High air temperature
- High humidity
- Direct sunlight (radiant heat)
- Poor ventilation and no breeze
A day that feels pleasant to you can still be risky for a rabbit in a sunny, enclosed hutch.
Signs of heat stress
Rabbits tend to hide illness until they are in real trouble. RSPCA Australia recommends checking your rabbit at least a couple of times a day in hot weather, looking for:
- Drooling or salivating
- Panting or short, shallow breaths
- Weakness and lethargy
- Red, warm ears
- A wet nose
As heatstroke develops, a rabbit may have seizures or lose consciousness. This is an emergency.
What to do if your rabbit is overheating
Call your vet straight away. While you arrange care, RSPCA Australia advises cooling your rabbit slowly to avoid shock:
- Never pour water over your rabbit
- Place a damp towel over the enclosure
- Offer small amounts of cool water to drink
- Gently wipe cool water on their ears
- Move the enclosure to a cooler spot, or move your rabbit somewhere cooler and secure
Prevention: shade
- Rabbits should never be housed in direct sunlight
- If the enclosure cannot be in shade, add shade inside it with a beach umbrella, a towel or a tarp
- A tunnel or cardboard box gives shade and something to explore
- On very hot days, consider bringing your rabbit inside into air conditioning
Prevention: water
Without plenty of water, rabbits dehydrate quickly on hot days.
- Offer at least two water sources, such as a bowl and a bottle
- Check bottles regularly to make sure they are not blocked
- Change water at least twice a day so it stays clean and cool
- A frozen bottle of water wrapped in a towel gives your rabbit something cool to lie against
Prevention: airflow
- If your rabbit lives in a shed, open a door or window for a breeze, without creating a cold draught
- On still days, a small battery-operated fan can help. Place it so your rabbit can move away from the airflow
- Mosquito netting over the hutch is still worth using in summer, as it helps protect against myxomatosis and flystrike
Prevention: grooming
Long or matted fur heats up quickly and holds heat. Brush your rabbit regularly to remove loose fur, and consider trimming long coats shorter for summer. Do not shave your rabbit bare, as a short coat still helps protect against sun and heat.
A summer routine that works
- Check the weather forecast each morning
- Set up shade and frozen bottles before the day heats up
- Check your rabbit morning, midday and evening on hot days
- Bring your rabbit inside if the forecast is high or humid
- Keep your vet's number and the nearest emergency clinic handy
FAQ
Is it safe to bring my rabbit inside on hot days?
Yes. RSPCA Australia suggests bringing rabbits into air conditioning on very hot days.
Can I put my rabbit in a cool bath?
No. Never pour water over a rabbit. Use the gentle cooling steps above and call your vet.
Do older or overweight rabbits need extra care?
Talk to your vet about your rabbit's individual risk, especially if they have other health problems.
Talk with a vet
If you are unsure whether your rabbit is coping with the heat, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk you through it. For signs of heatstroke, contact a clinic straight away. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. Can rabbits get heat stress?.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What is myxomatosis and how do I protect my rabbit from it?.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.