How to Keep Rabbits Cool in Summer

It might feel like you’ve just come out of the colder weather where you’re looking for ways to keep your four-legged friends nice and toasty through the winter. Summer months are no different in that you may need to provide extra support to protect against the weather. Keeping your rabbit cool during the summer is vital in helping them stay happy and healthy so we’ve got some of the best options that are super quick and easy to achieve.

Both indoor and outdoor rabbits will benefit from their home being moved into a shadier spot during the warmer months. If a cage is in direct sunlight, even in the house it restricts where your bunny can go to cool off.

For indoor bunnies, reorganising their cage to sit on kitchen tiles is a great option to help them stay cool even when the environment is toasty. If their hutch is outside then it should be placed out of the way of direct sunlight whilst being mindful of where the sun moves through the day. As the grass also stays nice and cool throughout the summer, it can be nice to have an attached run or get them a hutch that directs opens onto the grass on the lower level like the Aintree Derby Rabbit Hutch.

Water is vital when it’s warm to make sure your rabbit has a way of keeping hydrated. Their water bottle should not be placed in the sunlight and if you’re worried about them running out you can always provide multiple sources of water to make sure they never go without.

Placing multiple of the Mini Deluxe Water Bottles around their cage will ensure they have a constant supply of water as the warmer months continue.

Cooling mats are great for the summer months. The Rufus & Rosie Cooling Mat is useful for all species of pets including rabbits. They can be placed in their hutch and are activated when they put their weight on them, they instantly start to cool and allow your fluffy friend to cool off. They can stay cold for up to an hour and only need an hour to reset before being enjoyed again. They’re also easy to wipe and come in various sizes to fit any sized hutch.

While their thick coats are great in the winter months, they can be a nuisance in the summer, preventing your rabbit from really benefitting from anything you do to keep them cool.

Regular grooming will help to remove any dead hair that only serves to sit within their coat and prevent any heat from escaping. A brush set like the Rosewood Options Mini Grooming Set is a great place to start to make sure your bunny isn’t weighed down by loose hair.

For long haired rabbits, some owners even find it helpful to take them to the Jollyes Spa for a summer trim, perfect to keep their coats from weighing them down and making them too hot.

Heat stroke can be a serious ailment for rabbits in the warmer months, particularly if they have no way of cooling off. During the summer it’s important to keep an eye for the symptoms of heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include:

If you see your bunny particularly lethargic or struggling to be their usual, active self, this may be because of the heat. If you suspect they could be having a heat stroke or on the verge of one, you can wrap when in a damp towel to bring down their temperature gradually. You can also offer them cool water, but it shouldn’t be ice cold as their bodies can go into shock and you should never submerge them in water.

The best course of action for a bunny who could be suffering from heat stroke is to take them to the vet to seek help.

To keep them cool throughout the summer and all the other bunny essentials you may need, take a look at our wide range of stock in-store and online.