SUMMER RABBIT CARE

Pam Nock

Rabbits have difficulty tolerating the heat and humidity of summer and can get Heat Prostration (Heat Stroke) very easily.  Pregnant does, old and overweight rabbits have the hardest time dealing with the heat.  To properly care for your rabbit during the hot summer: *Provide clean, fresh water at least twice a day.  Use bleach to clean out water bottles and dishes. *Fill a large plastic pop bottle with water, freeze it and put it in your rabbit's cage to help keep it cool. *Never put hutches in full sun.  Place them in a shady area.  Under trees where there is a cool breeze is ideal. *Use fans to keep the air circulating in your rabbit is kept inside a building. *Remove excess nesting material from nest boxes so the kits don't get overheated. *Avoid handling rabbits during the hottest parts of the day. *Feed rabbits in the evening when they are most active and more likely to finish their feed.  Feed spoils quickly on hot, humid days and can produce mold that can make your rabbit very sick.

Symptoms Of Heat Prostration

*Rapid breathing, wetness around the nose and mouth.  Drooling and possible bloody discharge from the nose. *Rabbit stretched out on stomach with head tipped back and panting. *In extreme cases, blood vessels in ears greatly enlarged and mouth turning blue. -In cases of Heat Prostration, submerge rabbit in tepid water (not cold). -Electrolytes (such as Acid Pac 4-Way) help rabbits to tolerate heat stress and prevent dehydration.