Yes! Bunnies just like any person or animal, can suffer from overheating.
There are several signs of a bunny in distress; one of the most obvious signs is panting. Although they do not pant quite as obvious as. lets say dogs; there is a definite increase in their breathing. You will also notice what is called “labored breathing”, which can be seen by the increased use of accessory muscles. Increased respirations and exaggerated use of abdominal muscles to move air, are telltale signs of impending trouble; especially during scorching temperatures and heat indexes.
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Temperature Chart
First, here are the different ranges of temperatures, how they affect your bun-bun and what you can do to help.
| The Perfect Temperature | 60°F - 65°F (15°C - 18°C) Most experts agree that this is the temperature range that your buns will be the most comfortable and happy in. |
| Lowest comfortable Temperature | 30°F (-2°C) Rabbits are cold weather animals and do thoroughly enjoy the cooler temperatures. Temperatures at or below freezing are still manageable for your bun; however at this point, one should consider making alterations to their buns area to help them keep warm. Covering and weather proofing hutches. Plenty of hay or bedding to burrow or make a warm nesting area. Once temps dip to this extreme, access to liquid water is essential to keep your bun hydrated. Consider a heated water bowl to help survival at these frigid temperatures. |
| Warmest pleasant temperatures | 85°F (29°C) This is the absolute warmest that a bunny can be comfortable in without some other cooling source. Although they are still able to maintain homeostasis, offering cooling sources at this temperature is highly recommended. |
| Too Hot! | Once temperatures start creeping into the 90's and above it is imperative to offer supplemental cooling or even keeping or moving your bunny inside. |
Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
Aside from the obvious rapid breathing discussed above, there are many other signs to look out for.
| Signs and Symptoms | What to do |
|---|---|
| #1. Inside of ears are red, look bloodshot | Those big, wonderful and cute ears are their thermostats; when too hot, veins will dilate giving that "flushed" look on the inside of their ears. Fans - Cool fresh water - Cool or frozen treats - Frozen water bottles - |
| #2. Rapid breathing aka Panting | Move into cooler, shaded area if not already in one. Make sure drinking water is nice and cool, refresh throughout the day as needed. Bunnies hydrate much better by drinking from bowls than from water bottles. Offer cool, frozen treats for them to chew and hydrate on. Frozen water bottles - |
| #3. Lethargic, Listless not moving | Move to cooler area, preferably inside. Offer fans in area. Make sure to offer cool fresh water. Use frozen treats to allow bun to chew on to hydrate and cool off Frozen water bottles - |
| #4. Wetness around nose and face | Bring inside IMMEDIATELY! Remove from current environment, have a low blowing fan cooling your buns area but never directly at them. Bunnies have sweat glands in their face and once they are pouring sweat it will saturate their face. If bun does not seem to recover over the next hour be sure to call your veterinarian |
NEVER ….
EVER…..pour cold water on, or submerge an overheated bunny in cold water.
Aside the fact that bunnies do not like getting wet, the most important thing is that this could send your baby into shock. There is a drastic temperature difference between a sweltering bunny and cold water from the faucet, and even colder from a water hose.
Any change in temperature to help your bun bun out needs to be done gradually. When offering fans make sure they are not blowing directly on her. Use an oscillating fan if you have one. The only drastic move that needs to be done immediately is moving her away from the heat source, into some shade or even inside the house; depending on the severity of your bunnies condition.
Always Trust your Gut!
If your bunny has shown signs of “slight” heat exhaustion; i.e. #1 and #2, they should be ok closely monitored at home. Check for hay and water intake as well as their poop production. If you are still concerned always go with your gut and have him checked out by a veterinarian.
Worried your bunny may be experiencing a heat stroke, exhibiting symptoms in #3 and #4? Take to veterinarian immediately. Rabbits are notorious for compensating, looking healthy and then all of a sudden crashing downhill – fast! Remember – when transporting to NOT blast bunny with cold air conditioning; the rapid change in temperature can be fatal.
Hopefully this article was informative and helpful. Feel free to leave comments, questions or suggestions.
Read this article for more information on How, when and why to keep your bunny cool!
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