How to Keep Rabbits Cool in Summer

By
Adrienne Kruzer
Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, LVT
Adrienne Kruzer
Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. She is trained as a Fear Free Certified Professional to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Published on 06/22/23
Reviewed by
Natasha Diehl
Natasha Diehl
Reviewed by Natasha Diehl
Dr. Diehl is a passionate veterinarian pursuing specialty medicine with over 6 years' experience with exotic pets. She now works with a team of other experienced vets to provide the best advice and care for their clients' pets.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board
Rabbit outside in the grass and sunshine.
Summer can be fun but also hot for rabbits.

Getty Images/Black Lollipop

Rabbits are very active animals who love spending time outside in the summer and running around the house. Exercise is necessary, but if it's too hot outside or your home doesn't have air conditioning, your rabbit could easily become overheated. Rabbits with a lot of fur, that are very young or very old, or that areoverweightare at the highest risk for overheating.

If your rabbit's body temperature gets too high,serious problemswill result. Thankfully there are several things you can do to help keep your rabbit cool and prevent them from overheating. If you live in a hot climate or have a rabbit who could be more at risk of overheating, talk to your vet about different strategies you can implement to keep your rabbit safe this summer.

  • 01 of 11

    Air Conditioning

    Air conditioning units outside
    Air conditioning units can help keep your rabbit cool.

    Getty Images/DonNichols

    Rabbits will usually do just fine if your home temperature is below 77 degrees, but if the room temperature rises above 77 degrees, turning on your air conditioning (if you have it) is recommended.

  • 02 of 11

    Oscillating Fans

    Standing oscillating fan.
    Fans are a great way to keep your rabbit cool.

    Getty Images/AlexLMX

    If you don't have air conditioning or you need to cool your rabbit down quickly, turn on a fan and let it blow on your rabbit. Setting a bowl of cold water with ice cubes in it in front of the fan will create cold air that blows on your warm bunny, too.

  • 03 of 11

    Ceiling Fans

    Ceiling fan - white
    Ceiling fans can be useful even if you have air conditioning.

    Getty Images/Busà Photography

    A ceiling fan in your rabbit's room can help maintain comfortable room temperatures both with or without air conditioning.

  • 04 of 11

    Open Windows

    Woman's hands opening a window to the outside.
    Opening your windows allows a breeze to enter.

    Getty Images/Grace Cary

    If you don't have air conditioning and there's a breeze, open a couple of windows to help keep your rabbit cool while they plays with theirtoys. Use screens and watch your bunny to ensure they don't make any escapes.

    Continue to 5 of 11 below.
  • 05 of 11

    Window Curtains and Blinds

    Blackout curtains
    Blackout curtains are great at blocking hot sunlight.

    Getty Images/Андрей Клеменков

    Simply closing the curtains or blinds on the window will help block any sunlight from entering the room. This will help keep that room cooler.

  • 06 of 11

    Haircuts

    Rabbit with long hair.
    If your rabbit has long hair, a hair cut may help keep it cool.

    Getty Images/pengpeng

    If your rabbit has a lot of fur, trimming away excess hair from the ears, belly, and bottom may help them stay cool. If they have long hair, a full hair cut andgroomingmay be beneficial. Remember your rabbit's skin is extremely delicate, so use caution with any sharp grooming tools.

  • 07 of 11

    Shade

    Rabbit with food bowl in shade outside.
    If your rabbit is outside, make sure it has plenty of shade.

    盖蒂图片社/ Adila沙拉

    If your rabbit is outside, make sure they always have access to shade. You can also keep them out of direct sunlight entirely by situating their enclosure in a permanently shady spot.

  • 08 of 11

    Spray Bottle

    Spray bottle with water in it.
    A nice mist of water can be sprayed on your rabbit.

    Getty Images/Carol Yepes

    Use a spray bottle to gently mist your rabbit's ears. The evaporating water can help your rabbit cool off.

    Continue to 9 of 11 below.
  • 09 of 11

    Frozen Water Bottles

    Water bottle with ice cubes in it.
    A frozen water bottle can help keep your rabbit cool.

    Getty Images/Say-Cheese

    Freeze plastic bottles of water or fill them with ice cubes and place them around your rabbit. They may enjoy licking the condensation off or laying on them to stay cool. You can also refill larger empty bottles to create larger things for your rabbit to lay against, but wrap the bottles in a towel first so that they don't inadvertently freeze onto your rabbit.

  • 10 of 11

    Tiles

    Gray tiles
    Tiles can help your rabbit cool off.

    Getty Images/Xinzheng

    Put a piece of granite or ceramic tile in the fridge or freezer and let your rabbit lie on it for up to 15 minutes at a time.

  • 11 of 11

    Ice

    Ice cubes
    Ice cubes can be placed in your rabbit's water bowl.

    Getty Images/Adrienne Bresnahan

    Your rabbit should always have plenty of water. Be sure to offer both a bowl of water and a water bottle for your rabbit to drink from, especially in the summer. To help keep the water and your rabbit cool, add ice cubes to your rabbit's bowl.

FAQ
  • Can rabbits get heatstroke?

    Yes, rabbits can get heatstroke if they aren't able to cool their bodies off. Veterinary care may be necessary if your rabbit is too warm, and if the symptoms are ignored,seizuresand even death can occur.

  • What are the signs of heatstroke in rabbits?

    Rabbits can regulate their body temperature and primarily use their ears to cool off or absorb heat, so feeling the ears is the easiest thing you can do to see if your rabbit is too warm. Your rabbit may also be laying on their side, have moisture around the nose, be breathing quickly, seem weak, and even have their mouth open.

  • How can I tell if my rabbit is too hot?

    最简单的事情你可以做,看看你的兔子is too hot is feel the temperature of their ears. You'll also want to observe their behavior for other signs of heatstroke.