Keeping Rabbits Cool in Summer: Hot Weather Tips for Happy Buns
As the summer sun starts to shine and temperatures climb, it’s essential to make sure our fluffy friends stay safe and comfortable. Rabbits are much more sensitive to heat than we are and can quickly overheat. In this post, I’ll be sharing how I keep Ronnie, Daisy, and Willow cool during the warmer weather, along with tips every bunny parent should know.
Why Heat Can Be Dangerous for Rabbits
Rabbits can’t sweat or pant like dogs, so they have very limited ways to regulate their body temperature. They generally cope best in temperatures between 10-20°C, and prolonged exposure to anything above 24°C can start to cause discomfort. As the temperature starts to creep up past this, the risk of heatstroke increases significantly — it’s a veterinary emergency and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Tips to Keep Your Rabbits Cool
Here are some tried-and-tested ways to help your bunnies beat the heat:
- Plenty of shade: Whether indoors or outdoors, always make sure they have a cool, shaded area to retreat to.
- Keep the air moving: A fan (set on low and never blowing directly at them) helps to improve airflow. I love our Shark Fan as it can be used cordless, so you don’t have to worry about little teeth chewing wires! Another fan we’ve used and liked is the Levoit Tower Fan, which works just as well but isn’t cordless — if you use one like this, just make sure to use a wire protector to keep your rabbits safe from chewing.
- Frozen water bottles: Wrap them in a towel or sock and pop them in places where your buns are likely to lie down, so they can lie next to them to cool off.
- Cooling tiles: Marble, slate, or ceramic tiles stay cooler than other surfaces and provide a great place to flop. We also have some cooling pods that work in the same way too.
- Cool, fresh water: Refresh their water bowls frequently, adding more water bowls if needed. Avoid offering ice cubes to your rabbit, as they can cause digestive problems.
- Extra hydration: Offer veggies soaked in water to help keep your rabbits hydrated.
- Groom regularly: Removing excess fur, especially for long-haired breeds, will help keep them more comfortable. I highly recommend the Hair Buster Comb — we’ve had ours for 4 years now and it’s honestly the best grooming tool I’ve used.
Signs of Heatstroke
Look out for:
- Rapid or open-mouth breathing
- Lethargy or weakness
- Confusion
- Red ears that feel hot to the touch
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
Rabbits often hide signs of illness, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them during hot weather. If you notice any signs of heatstroke — including things like refusing food or not showing interest in a favourite treat — move them to a cool spot, gently dampen their ears with cool water, and contact your vet immediately. Loss of appetite can also lead to gut stasis, which is another emergency in rabbits, so always act quickly if something feels off.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t bathe or soak your rabbit in water – it can shock their system and cause more harm and stress.
- Don’t leave them in a car or shed, even for a short time – temperatures can rise dangerously fast. If your rabbits are outdoors and live in a shed with poor ventilation, move them to a cooler room in your home during the hotter days.
The Bun’s Favourite Cool Spots
Ronnie, Daisy, and Willow love flopping on their cool pods and ceramic tiles. They usually snooze near a frozen water bottle (covered with an old sock) that I pop inside the IKEA HOL where they usually like to lie down, and I also place one in their castle. I shut the blinds in their room and set up our Shark fan (on low and oscillating). As mentioned earlier, I love this fan because it’s cordless – no wires for curious teeth!
A Quick Word on Flystrike
Hot weather doesn’t just bring sunshine – it also brings flies, which means a greater risk of flystrike — a serious condition that can become fatal if not treated quickly.
Flystrike occurs when flies lay eggs on a rabbit’s skin, usually around the bottom. The eggs hatch into maggots, which then feed on the rabbit’s flesh. It can develop quickly – within hours – and requires immediate veterinary attention.
How to Help Prevent Flystrike:
- Check your rabbit’s bottom daily (twice daily in very warm weather) and clean if needed. Remember to never fully bathe your rabbit!
- Keep bedding and litter areas clean and dry. I clean out the bun’s litter boxes daily during warmer weather.
- Groom regularly to remove excess fur.
- A balanced diet of 85% hay, 10% fresh greens and 5% quality nuggets will help to keep their digestive system working properly, reducing the risk of excessive cecotropes/messy bums.
- Fly screens can help reduce the amount of flies your rabbits come into contact with.
- Speak with your vet about suitable spot-on treatments and if they think your rabbit needs it. These products should be used as part of an overall management plan and are designed to be used to complement the above tips, not to replace them.
As with heatstroke, if you notice any signs of flystrike on your rabbits, please contact your vet immediately.
Keeping your rabbits cool and comfortable in the heat doesn’t have to be complicated – just a few small changes can make a big difference. I hope these tips help you and your buns stay safe, relaxed, and happy all summer long!
If you have any cooling tips or favourite products, feel free to share them with me over on Instagram @ronnietheminilop – I’d love to hear what works for your bunnies!
