Rabbits don't have a lot of ways to get rid of excess heat.Rabbits can't cool off like dogs.rabbits are experts at hiding distress so that they don't appear vulnerable, because they are a prey species.An over-heated rabbit goes to a lot of trouble to hide its distress and a rabbit owner needs to be extra vigilant to identify signs of distress.If a rabbit is in direct sunlight without shade, it can get heat stress quickly, so always be aware of where yourabbit is and provide the means and opportunities for it to stay cool.
Step 1: The rabbit should be moved to a cooler area.
If you notice signs of heat stroke, immediately pick the rabbit up and carry it to a cool place.Whatever space you have, this could be a room with a fan or air conditioning.The rabbit should be moved out of the sun and into the shade.
Step 2: The rabbit needs to be cooled down.
Start to cool the rabbit.The rabbit's coat can be misted with cool, but not freezing, water or standing the rabbit in a few inches of water.Make sure the water is just one or two inches deep, as rabbits will panic in deep water.Some people suggest rubbing alcohol on the rabbit's paws in order to cool it down.
Step 3: The rabbit should be given some water to drink.
The rabbit needs hydration as soon as possible.Getting cool water into the rabbit's system will help it cool down.Getting the rabbit's body cool on the outside is just as important as this.
Step 4: The rabbit should not be cooling too quickly.
Ice water can cause shock, so don't use it.A gradual decrease in body temperature is better.
Step 5: If you need emergency veterinary treatment, get it.
If the rabbit isn't showing any signs of improvement, you should call the vet and let them know you have an emergency.If the problem is occurring on a day the veterinary office is not open, then you should call an emergency office in your area.Questions about your rabbit's condition may be asked by your veterinary office.The person on the phone should tell you if the rabbit needs to be seen.
Step 6: The rabbit should be kept cool in the transport.
If you have to take the rabbit to the vet, keep it cool.The air conditioning is on in the car if the rabbit is wrapped in a damp towel.It may take two people to transport a rabbit with heat stroke.If you don't have anyone to help, just keep the temperature in the car cool and give the rabbit access to cool water.
Step 7: The rabbit should not be stressed out more.
Act quietly and calmly.Some rabbits can sense and respond to stress.Whatever you can do to keep them calm will help.It is possible to keep your rabbit calm by covering its eyes.
Step 8: Emergency veterinary treatment usually involves further cooling.
In extreme heat stroke, it is necessary to provide cool fluids.The rabbit's core temperature can be brought down.The only treatment a vet can give for heat stroke is this one.Vital organs that have started to shut down as a result of dehydration can be helped by getting these fluids.
Step 9: Don't think the signs will be obvious.
You will have to pay attention to them.The more obvious the signs, the more serious the rabbit's condition is.It is important to get a rabbit's temperature under control before it shows the signs of heat stroke.If you're an attentive rabbit owner, that can be done.
Step 10: Red ears are something to look for.
Red ears are the first hint of heat stroke.The rabbit tries to lose heat by increasing its blood supply to the ears.The ears have less fur, so the heat can more easily come out of the rabbit's body through the exposed skin on the ears.
Step 11: Look for mouth breathing.
Rabbits have no efficient way of cooling off because they cannot pant and only sweat through their paws.When it's hot, they open their mouth and attempt to breathe in.This should be taken seriously.
Step 12: Flared nostrils are what you should look for.
The rabbit may have mouth breathing.Heavy breathing and breathing quickly indicates that you are trying to lose heat.
Step 13: Look for excess saliva.
A variety of problems in rabbits, most commonly problems with their teeth, can be a sign that the rabbit is overheated.The rabbit salivates in an attempt to lose heat.
Step 14: Look at strange behavior.
Weak behavior can be caused by heat stroke.The rabbit wants to stay in the same spot.The rabbit may seem weak or confused if forced to move.The consequences of heat stroke are convulsions, which can lead to coma and death.
Step 15: There is a good location for the rabbit's hutch.
Taking care to determine how your rabbit will be exposed to the elements is important.The rabbit should never be in full sunlight without shade.The hutch should be protected from all types of weather, including rain, snow, and excessive wind.
Step 16: Give your rabbit something to keep it cool.
It is important on hot days.If you put a large ceramic tile in the fridge or a baking tray on the floor, it will help keep the rabbit cool.It is possible to place bottles of water in the hutch.The rabbit can lie against the bottles to cool itself off.
Step 17: There needs to be enough air around the pen.
The hutch shouldn't be a place that has stagnant air because air movement helps to reduce the temperature.If the temperature is warm, place a fan on floor level at one corner of the house so that the rabbit can lie in the breeze.The rabbit can be exposed to the wind from the fan.It should be able to decide if it needs to cool off.
Step 18: The rabbit should have constant access to water.
It's important to have plenty of water to keep cool.In case one gets knocked over or drunk dry, provide duplicate drinking bottles or bowls.A rabbit is vulnerable to heatstroke.
Step 19: The rabbit needs moist vegetables to eat.
The rabbit can benefit from the additional water provided by moist vegetables.Cucumber has a high moisture content and is a good vegetable to give.The rabbit takes in more fluid when eating when it is left wet.
Step 20: Consider moving your rabbit.
If the temperatures get too high, you may need to relocate your rabbit.If the weather is too bad, consider moving it into a cool out building or into your home.Just to assure that your rabbit doesn't suffer from the heat, this can be a temporary measure.