If you keep your rabbit outdoors, pay attention to the temperature. Summertime is the most common time of the year to be concerned. If your rabbit is left outdoors in a pen or a cage during the summer months, its fur will trap the sun’s heat, causing it to heat up quickly. Keep your rabbit’s cage out of the sun. Cover any windows with blinds and curtains if necessary. If this doesn’t make a difference, consider moving the cage to a cooler part of the house, such as a basement. If you have a window air conditioning unit, you can close the doors to that room and keep the bunny there. If you have central air conditioning, you may want to close some vents and direct the cool air to the rabbit room to manage the electricity bills. You can also purchase standing air conditioning units for a particular room. [1] X Research source
Be careful that the rabbit doesn’t chew on the cords. This can be quite hazardous. A wire covered cage allows air to flow freely from all sides. If your rabbit is outdoors in a hutch keep them in the shade and allow for cover without compromising ventilation. Bedding should be absorbent and non-toxic like straw, aspen shavings, CareFresh (recycled paper), or wheat-based like Eco-Straw. These materials air out easily and don’t retain heat. A circulating ceiling fan above the cage is another option. Used in combination with floor fans, ceiling units can effectively ventilate your rabbit’s area.
Take a normal sized shower towel (roughly 2. 5’ x 3. 5’). Soak it in cool water. Wring it out and place it on top of the cage. Try to cover the entire cage with the towel. You want to make sure that you don’t obstruct the cage’s ventilation. Make sure that the towel is not still dripping either. You don’t want to soak your rabbit. [3] X Research source
Wet fur below the nose Heavy and fast breathing Flared nostrils Sprawled out on the floor Hot ears and feet Inactive and not as alert as usual (lethargic) Eyes half closed[6] X Research source
Brush your rabbit from head to posterior. Keep your strokes light. You don’t want to remove too much fur or hurt your rabbit. Do so during the summer months regularly. [7] X Research source
Give your rabbit veggies to help keep it hydrated. Soak small carrots, celery stalks, and other vegetables that your rabbit enjoys in water and then place them in your rabbit’s cage. This way your rabbit will get additional water through its food. [8] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
You can lightly mist your rabbit with water, but don’t drench it (see next step). [9] X Research source
