HEAT CAN KILL YOUR RABBIT
Did you know that when the temperature rises above 80 degrees your rabbit’s life is at risk? It’s a fact: Rabbits
do not deal well with heat. As temperatures rise above 80 degrees a rabbit with no protection from the heat
can go into heat shock (kidneys shut down, brain swells, among other things) and die.
The best situation is for all pet rabbits to live inside a temperature-controlled home, where you know they will
always be safe from both the elements and predators. We know that this is not always an option, so following
are some tips on how to keep bunny cool on hot days.
Your rabbit's enclosure should never be in direct sunlight. It should be in a well-lit area, with overhead (and
side) protection from the sun. The area should be well ventilated but not drafty. Outside options include
enclosed porches and enclosed runs, with roofing and siding to protect from heat, rain and predators. Note
that rabbits kept outside can never be 100% protected, but it is important to do the best that you can.
Rabbits do not belong in garages. Garages tend to be dark and oppressive, even with ventilation and
windows. Plus, rabbits are social creatures and they get dreadfully lonely if they are shut off from their people
and whatever family activity is happening.
For out-of-doors rabbits or those in homes without a/c: If your home does not have air conditioning, and
even for rabbits outside - fans, and bottles or cartons filled with ice - are useful to cool things down. Keep a few
plastic bottles (or milk/juice cartons) of water in the freezer in case of an emergency, and so that you have a
supply ready when one has melted. Place the bottle in the cage next to your bunny.
Misting the ears is another helpful way to cool bunny down, and a damp towel across/over one end of the cage
(where fan blows air freely through) makes a nice cool place for bunny to rest. Large flooring tiles can be
refrigerated and put in cage for a cool and comfy place to relax.
For rabbits that live outside (we implore you: bring your pets inside!) a timed mister system is advisable - but
please make sure that all wet food is changed daily. This is VERY important. Damp food gets moldy quickly
in hot weather (it also breeds bacteria) which can make your rabbit extremely ill, or even cause death.
While preventative measures generally keep bunny comfortable, sometimes a danger-situation still arises. If
you notice that bunny is panting, drooling or listless (not moving)—immediate action is needed. Dampen ears
with a mister or washcloth, put him next to a bottle of ice, and take him to the vet, ASAP. Extreme heat can
cause the brain to swell (among other things) and bunny could very well die a very painful death.
SPRINGTIME RAINS BRING SUMMERTIME FLEAS
Controlling fleas is basically a matter of care and observation. Groom your rabbit frequently. Brushing his coat
will not only remove loose hair and dirt, it will give you a chance to examine bunny for signs of fleas: black
grainy material (dried blood) and actual fleas are your main clues. (See "The Well Groomed Rabbit")
REVOLUTION(tm) for kittens and puppies can be used on your rabbit on a monthly basis. Consult a rabbit vet
for more information on this product. DO NOT flea bomb your house. Current commercial flea bombs are fatal
if ingested.
**NOTE: FRONTLINE and LYME (BATH) DIPS are deadly for rabbits. DO NOT USE THEM UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCE. Do not use any flea powders or bath products on your rabbit.
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