Bunny Base

July 2nd, 2007 by you

Bunnies and Heat 

Because the weather is heating up, we need to remember that bunnies do not do well in the heat. They cannot cool down through sweating like people can, so they are constantly at risk of overheating. Even if they have water nearby, bunnies can still die from overheating.

Many people have what they call “outdoor” bunnies, but they have to remember that even in the shade, the temperature can be too hot for a rabbit. Anything over about 75-80 degrees is too hot for a bunny. If you have to have your rabbit outdoors, you need to have a way to help them cool off. One trick that always worked well for my bunnies is to take an empty 2 liter soda bottle, fill it with water, and freeze it. This allows the bunny to snuggle right next to it, and it can help cool most of their body down. It will only last an hour or two, so make sure to have several on hand to keep your bunny cool.

Also, make sure that your bunny has constant access to water. It’s better to have a bowl of water because they can put their ears and feet it in, which is another way they can cool down. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having a bowl of fresh clean water available at all times to your bunny.

Remember that bunnies, while some people think they are low maintenance, require a great deal of care, and they do not make the best pets for children. They are extremely fragile and susceptible to the environment. They can die of a heart attack simply by being frightened, so keep all dogs and other creatures such as that away. Simply seeing a cat, or hearing a dog barking at them can put them into shock, which can lead to death.

Unfortunately, I just heard a tragic story of some neighbors who had a young bunny. They found him passed away in the backyard, and didn’t know how he died. They thought he could have been frightened by a passing fox, however, I don’t think they took the heat into consideration. (It has been around 100 degrees here.) Please keep your pets safe, away from possible predators, and with a means of cooling down.

Please keep your bunnies safe and out of the heat during the summer. And remember – never, ever leave a pet in your car. On an 80 degree day, temperatures inside the car can reach over 120 degrees in just minutes. Keep your pet safe and happy!