Summer can be more than extremely hard on your pet rabbit. It can be downright dangerous. At the very least, hot temperatures can make your bunny very uncomfortable, but in some cases it can cause death through such symptoms as swelling of the brain. Obviously the heat can also cause extreme dehydration, which is very dangerous. Be on the lookout for listlessness in your pet rabbit. If he is not moving, or if he is panting or acting abnormally please seek medical help for him as soon as possible. Avoid shocking his system by extreme changes in temperature such as submerging him in cold water ever or by dousing his ears if not well. In the case of older or overweight rabbits, the risk factor is even higher. In addition to looking out for the above extremes, please also be proactive in protecting your pet rabbit’s basic comfort level.
Make sure that you keep things as comfortably cool as possible. If your bunny is kept outside, please bring her indoors. If she must be outside, avoid direct heat and sunlight. Source shady spots if possible, such as trees or partially enclosed spaces. Indoors or outdoors, you can mist her little ears from time to time to help her to feel better, assuming there is nothing dire as listed above. Change up the floor surface of her cage at least partially with something that stays cooler, such as a tile or something like that which your bunny cannot chew. Other common aids include freezing a container of water and then placing it in her cage as a cooling agent. Ice cubes placed in your bunny’s water source can also be helpful, as can making sure he is consuming hydrating foods. You can also use fans and wet cloths placed around the outside of the cage to assist, making sure to keep all cords out of range. Opening windows for air flow during the cooler part of the day or air conditioning without too much extreme change in temperature is also helpful. Think circulation versus direct blowing on your pet. You will want to also brush out any extra fur that might be contributing to a higher body temperature and might be inviting to warm weather bugs. If your pet has any major medical procedures that are advised but can wait until the end of summer, please consider taking a rain check for the sake of his comfort during recovery.
Much of keeping your furry friend happy will occur to you naturally. You are your pet rabbit’s best defense, because you know your little friend and what his normal behavior pattern might be. If you are uncomfortable in the sweltering weather, chances are your little pet is too. Half of the battle is prevention, and fortunately that half isn’t too hard and is pretty intuitive. Do you have any additional ideas that work for you and your pet rabbit? Please comment below, thank you!
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