Twitch, sleeping on a hot day
Please take the time to provide extra care for your outdoor rabbits throughout the heat wave.
Here’s some things you can do to help them cope.
Move the hutch to the shadiest area of your garden, even if it’s just temporary until the heat wave passes.
Put up a sun brolly to provide extra shade.
Ensure they have access to a secure run.
Provide cool water in a bowl. Rabbits can access much more water, more quickly from a bowl rather than a bottle. Refresh it twice a day if possible.
Use an empty plastic bottle, fill ¾ full with water and freeze it. Once frozen, put the frozen water bottle in the hutch so that your bunny can lean against it to keep cool.
Place a ceramic or marble tile in the hutch. The marble or tile stays cool for them to lie on. Don't leave these in the sun - they'll get boiling hot!
Brush out excessive fur.
Provide fresh vegetables to help keep bunny hydrated
If it's unbearably hot and your house is cooler than outside, bring your rabbits indoors if possible.
Check regularly for Fly Strike - More info here: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/flystrike
Heatstroke – The Signs
Reddening of the ears
Panting
Lethargy
Salivating
Weakness or slow movements
Acting confused
Convulsing.
What do I do if my rabbit experiences heat stroke?
DO NOT submerge them in cold water. This could place the rabbit in shock.
Dampen the ears and body with cool water by running a small towel under a cold tap and then gently stroking the ears and body.
GET BUNNY TO YOUR VETERINARY SURGERY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE