Do Rabbits Sweat?

Rabbits do have sweat glands but they’re not quite like ours. Unlike humans, whose sweat glands are distributed across the full body, rabbits' sweat glands are only located on their lips. With so few sweat glands and located in the mouth, it means that sweating doesn’t really serve as a primary means of cooling for them.  

If you think about the percentage of their body that is able to sweat compared to the rest that is covered in a thick fur coat, it’s easy to see why relying on sweating to cool off would be quite ineffective for these furry friends. Some animals like dogs sweat through their paws to keep cool but your bunny is a prey animal. It’s thought that they can’t sweat through their paws or it would risk causing them to slip and lose traction while running. Prey species of animals will often evolve to have very different physiology to predators. It can be as obvious as the shape of their teeth or as subtle as where they sweat from.  

Rabbits don't rely heavily on sweating for thermoregulation. Their thick fur coat, which provides insulation against both the heat and the cold, significantly impacts this. Humans have exposed skin that helps with efficient cooling through sweating but your bunny’s fur would restrict the process, making sweating far less effective as a cooling mechanism. Not only would it not work very well but you would then have a soggy bunny and they tend to avoid getting wet or they would become quite heavy. If their coat does get heavy, it will slow them down if they need to escape a predator. 

There are approximately two to four million sweat glands distributed across human bodies, rabbits have far fewer. This makes sweating as a cooling mechanism for them quite inefficient. Instead of sweating, they have evolved alternative strategies to regulate their body temperature. They engage in behaviours such as shedding and licking their fur in order to cool down. Through shedding excess fur and licking themselves, bunnies remove a good amount of fur to stay less insulated and reduce their body temperature.  

Determining the optimal temperature range for your rabbit friend is crucial for ensuring they stay healthy. While rabbits are generally rather resilient animals, excessively high temperatures can pose significant health risks for them. Generally, temperatures above 29°C may start to become uncomfortable for them, particularly those kept outdoors or in poorly ventilated enclosures.  

Luckily for our British bunnies they can benefit from our wet summers as we don’t see too much consistently hot weather. Cooling can become harder when temperatures are elevated for longer. 

In extreme heat, such as temperatures exceeding 32°C, rabbits are at risk of developing heat related illnesses like heat stroke. It's essential to monitor your fur baby closely during hot weather conditions and take preventive measures to keep them cool and hydrated. The temperature your bunny buddy is comfortable at can differ if they have any illnesses or are carrying too much weight. Overweight bunnies struggle to cool off as effectively as fit and healthy rabbits so their temperature threshold may be reduced. Feeding your bunny a good diet and providing plenty of opportunities for exercise can help them to stay fit and healthy.  

Recognising signs of heat stress in rabbits is essential so you can immediately intervene. They may show an increased respiratory rate as they attempt to cool down through panting. Heat-stressed bunnies can appear to be quite lethargic or even entirely unresponsive. Excessive salivation or discharge from the nose may indicate overheating as well. Your furry friend may seek out cooler areas to escape the heat, such as shaded spots or cool flooring, so make sure these are easily accessible for them.  

If you observe any of these signs, it's essential to take immediate steps to help cool them down and seek veterinary assistance if necessary. 

Despite their limited sweating ability, rabbits use various clever little strategies to cope with hot weather conditions. They instinctively seek out shaded areas to escape direct sunlight and reduce heat exposure. Providing shaded areas in their living space is essential to prevent overheating and help to keep them comfortable when it’s warm out. They will also increase their surface area to maximise their cooling ability which is just a fancy way of playing they like to sploot. When lying down, they often stretch out their bodies which makes it much easier to cool off. Providing cool, flat surfaces such as ceramic tiles or chilled pet mats can help your pet stay cool during hot weather. 

Rabbits lick their fur to promote evaporation, making the most out of the cooling effect of moisture on their skin. Make sure that your fuzzy friend’s fur is clean and free of mats or debris on a regular basis to help with this process. You can help them by keeping up with their grooming routine which will also aid in removing any dead coat that will also keep them warm. During hot weather, rabbits may breathe faster to enhance airflow and reduce heat through respiration. Ensuring proper ventilation in their living space is crucial for effective heat dissipation, so preparing ahead is key.  

Rabbits need water to survive and thrive just like us humans do, so make sure you’re providing easy access to fresh, cool water. You may even consider adding ice cubes to their water bowl to keep it cool when the weather gets too hot. Since the only sweat glands they have are in their mouth, chilled water is a highly effective cooling method for your bunny in the summer, so make sure you keep your ice cube tray stocked. To keep your four-legged friend comfortable through summer, you should help by providing cooling outlets to keep them comfortable. By giving them adequate shade, ventilation, and hydration, you can help your bunnies thrive even in the sweltering heat. Always consult with your vet if you think your bunny is struggling to stay cool even with your help on hand.