How to keep rabbits cool in summer

 Summer may be the season for sunbathing, but for rabbits it’s more about survival. Because bunnies aren’t built for extreme heat, many owners wonder how to keep rabbits cool in summer.  Here’s a practical approach to help you keep outdoor rabbits cool during the hottest part of the year, and how to stay vigilant against heat exhaustion. 

Why rabbits struggle during the summer 

Rabbits are much better suited to cool weather than they are to heat. Native to underground burrows and shady environments, their bodies are designed to retain warmth, not expel it. This can become a potentially life-threatening issue when the temperatures rise. But with the right summer rabbit setup, your bunnies don’t have to be burdened by the season.  

How hot is too hot for rabbits? 

The ideal temperature range for a rabbit is between 55-70°F. Once temperatures climb to 80°F and beyond, heat stress becomes a real possibility. Heat stress can progress to heatstroke rapidly — which can be fatal without immediate intervention. 

Heat-sensitive breeds 

While any bunny can overheat, certain rabbit breeds are more prone to trouble from hot temperatures: 

• Lop-eared rabbits like English Lops have limited airflow around their ears.
• Flat-faced breeds including Holland Lops or Netherland Dwarfs can suffer more in the heat due to the structure of their respiratory system. 
• Long-haired breeds like Angoras or Lionheads trap more heat in their thick coats. 

Other rabbits at an increased risk of heat stress include overweight rabbits, or those with underlying health conditions. 

Keeping rabbits cool in summer 

Depending on your area and the summer temperatures, most rabbits can thrive outdoors all year round. The key is to provide them with essential elements for staying cool and safe. For outdoor rabbits, ensuring plenty of shade is the first task at hand, followed by supplemental steps. 

• Create shade 

Use rabbit run covers to provide shade for your bunnies and keep their food and water under the cover to prevent them from heating up in the sun. An insulated rabbit hutch will help stave off some of the sun’s heat, but all rabbit hutches should be placed out of direct sunlight — especially during the hottest part of the day. 

• Keep them hydrated 

Dehydration can sneak up on bunnies during the summer. Make sure your rabbits have access to multiple water sources through a combination of bottles and bowls, and offer fresh, cool water several times a day. Offer leafy greens in an elevated rabbit treat holder to help hydrate them — romaine lettuce or dandelion leaves are good options. 

• Try safe cooling techniques

In some climates rabbits may need more than shade and water. Help your bunnies beat the heat with some tried-and-true tricks to keeping rabbits cool on hot days:  

• Place frozen water barrels or ice packs wrapped in a towel in their run or hutch for them to lean against. 
• Use ceramic tiles or slabs that have been chilled in the fridge (not frozen) for them to lay on. 
• Drape damp towels over part of their hutch or run, but ensure there’s ample breeze to prevent mildew. 
• Use a fan near their space to circulate air, but not pointed directly at your rabbits. 
• Groom regularly

Rabbits can overheat more readily if they’re carrying extra fur. Help them stay cool by brushing them regularly to remove excess from their coat and to reduce their heat retention. Pay close attention to matted or thickened areas, especially around the bottom and belly. These sessions are the perfect time to check and see how well they’re grooming themselves. Some rabbits that struggle with self-grooming can fall victim to flystrike, which is a medical emergency. 

What to do if your rabbit is too hot 

Even with precautions, rabbits can still overheat. Catching heat stress in bunnies early on can help provide the best outcome. Watch for these signs: 

• Panting or rapid breathing 
• Lethargy or weakness 
• Red, hot ears 
• Drooling or wet nose. 
• Unresponsiveness or collapse 

If you notice these signs in your rabbit, it’s important to take immediate action. Heat stress can progress to heatstroke very quickly, at which point your rabbit’s organs will begin to shut down. The following steps should be taken if you think your rabbit is headed toward heatstroke: 

1. Move your rabbit to a cool, shaded area immediately. 
2. Gently wipe their ears with a cool, damp cloth, as this is where they release body heat. 
3. Offer fresh, cool (not ice cold) water, but don’t force them to drink. 
4. Call your veterinarian if your rabbit doesn’t respond right away to these measures. 

While it might be tempting to cool your bunny down as quickly as possible, doing so can cause their body to go into shock. Here’s what to avoid if you are trying to relieve heat stress in rabbits.

Don’t: 

• Place your rabbit in cold water 
• Apply ice directly to their body 
• Cause a sudden change in temperature (like placing them in front of air conditioning). 
• Give frozen food or ice cubes, as these can disrupt digestion. 

Keep cool and carry on 

Summer doesn’t have to be a drag for you and your bunnies. With thoughtful planning and a good understanding of how rabbits handle the heat, you can make even the hottest days a breeze. Stay vigilant and monitor your rabbits closely to ensure they’re holding up in the heat. 

Some final tips for helping your bunnies beat the summertime heat: 

• Use a digital thermometer to monitor the temperature in their hutch or run. 
• Rotate ice bottles and ceramic tiles throughout the day. 
• Plan grooming or playtime with your rabbits during the morning or evening hours to avoid the hottest part of the day. 

If, despite your best efforts, your rabbits aren’t thriving in the heat, it may be time to bring them inside for the rest of the summer. It’s important to remember that if you do choose to bring your bunny indoors, they’ll need to remain there until the outdoor temperatures align with the indoor temperatures to avoid stressing their system. 

Omlet and your rabbits

Keeping your rabbits safe in the summer doesn’t have to be stressful. With our insulated rabbit hutches, rabbit run covers, and accessories like Zippi Rabbit Playpens and Tunnels, you can keep your bunnies safe and entertained all season long. 

This entry was posted in Rabbits