As the temperatures rise during the summer months, it is incredibly important to ensure that your bunny stays cool, calm, and happy. While many animals are able to self regulate their body temperatures, rabbits do need some extra help to stay cool. Wild rabbits are often known to burrow underground on really hot days in order to stay cool. However, domestic rabbits usually would not have this option and some can have much thicker fur than their wild counterparts. Temperatures over 25 degrees celsius are too hot for rabbits, increasing the worrying risk of heatstroke. 

Helping to keep your rabbits cool and monitoring them for signs of heatstroke is essential if temperatures are creeping up. We have put together a collection of our top tips to help them stay cool and signs to watch out for if they are suffering.

Exposure to the sun is a particular worry for outdoor buns, as, if their area is in a part of your garden that gets a lot of sunlight, this can simply be too much if the temperature is high. Therefore, it is important to keep them away from direct sunlight and provide them with a cool, safe area. We would recommend:

• Water - it goes without saying that your buns need to stay more hydrated the hotter that it gets outside. Provide various water sources for them to encourage them to drink and make sure they are topped up regularly. You can also add ice cubes to the water to keep it cool, or even add some herbs to make the water seem more appealing.
• Providing lots of shade - if your rabbit’s usual area is in a sunny spot then it may be best to move it into the shade. If this isn’t possible then look at placing a gazebo or umbrella over their enclosure to provide shade. Sheds and hutches can get very hot, so it is important to monitor how high the temperature is getting - in some cases it may be best to move your rabbits indoors temporarily.
• Groom your bunny - your rabbit may not loved to be groomed, but as the temperature heats up that thick layer of fur is doing them no good. Rabbits shed seasonally, but grooming them helps to shed their excess fur faster, helping to keep them cool. It is also important to do this to ensure they are not consuming too much fur whilst grooming.
• Frozen water bottles or ice packs - by simply freezing a water bottle, or ice pack, and wrapping it in a tea towel, you can help to keep your rabbit cool. Just place it in a spot in your bunny’s area to create a cool space for them to relax.
• Use a damp towel - hang a damp towel over your bunny’s area to provide extra shade with an evaporative cooling effect. Make sure there is still an area to allow a breeze.

Whilst some of the recommendations for outdoor bunnies are also applicable to house buns, such as enough water, grooming + frozen bottles, there are other needs to meet in order to keep them cool. Indoors can often be stuffy as there is little to no breeze, so it is important to ensure you are making your bun’s area as cool as possible.

• Open a window - it sounds simple but creating a breeze can make all the difference. Allow plenty of air circulation in their area to help keep the temperature down.
• Choose a cooler room - if your bunny lives in a part of your horse that gets warmer, or maybe they live in a shed, then it may be best to move them to a cooler area with more shade and less sun. If they live upstairs then it may be better to move them downstairs, as lower floors are usually cooler.
• Reduce light - a simple tip is to shut your curtains or blinds to stop the sunlight heating the room too much, helping to keep the room shaded.
• Use a fan - by providing a fan, it can help to create a breeze and air circulation. However, it is important to keep any wires away from your bunnies and to not blow the air directly at them, as this may stress them out. If you place a cold, damp towel in front of the fan this can create a cooling effect.

Heatstroke in rabbits is a serious condition and can often be fatal for rabbits. As bunnies are prey animals, they can often hide signs that they are ill, so it is important to watch out for any symptoms when the temperature heats up.

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

• Weakness or lethargy
• Panting
• Warm, red ears
• Salivating
• Confusion
• Convulsions

If you suspect that your bunny is suffering from heatstroke then contact a vet immediately. Place them on a cool, damp towel and create a breeze. You can also dampen their ears with cool water. Never submerge your bunny in water.