Heatstroke in rabbits

Rabbits find it hard to regulate their body temperature, so summer can be a challenge. 

During hot weather, heatstroke can become a life-threatening emergency. Find out why heatstroke in rabbits happens, the signs to watch out for and how it’s treated.

Heatstroke happens when rabbits get too hot and can’t lower their body temperature. It’s also known as sunstroke, hyperthermia or heat-related illness. 

The normal body temperature for rabbits is 38.6-40°C (101.5-104°F). Heatstroke happens when a rabbit’s body temperature goes above 40.5°C (104°F). At this point, their organs start to struggle. 

Without treatment, heatstroke can lead to seizures, organ damage, unconsciousness and even death.

Because rabbits can’t pant or sweat, they have limited ways to cool themselves down when it gets too hot. Warm or humid weather can make it difficult for rabbits to stay cool, especially if they’re in a small, enclosed space. 

Common causes of heatstroke include:

• Lack of shade
• Direct sunlight on hutches and runs 
• Poor ventilation in indoor enclosures
• Thick fur, obesity or underlying illness
• Getting trapped in a shed, garage or greenhouse

Wild rabbits spend the hottest part of the day in a cool underground burrow. Domestic rabbits don’t have this option, so they depend on their owners to make sure they don’t overheat.

How long heatstroke lasts depends on how severe it is and how soon treatment begins.

A very mild case could improve within a few hours, although your rabbit should be closely monitored for 24-48 hours. Even if your rabbit seems to recover, it’s always best to speak to your vet for advice.

More severe cases may need to stay at the vet for multiple days and require frequent checkups after discharge.

If you own rabbits, it’s important to know the signs that they might be overheating. Rabbit heatstroke symptoms to watch out for include: 

• Red ears
• Fast breathing 
• Lethargy 
• Confusion
• Wobbliness

As heatstroke starts to worsen, symptoms can progress to include:

• Open mouth breathing 
• Shaking or tremors
• Blood in poo
• Blood from the mouth, nose or bottom

If left untreated, heatstroke can also cause seizures and unconsciousness. If you’re worried your rabbit may be overheating – even if their symptoms aren’t the same as those above – it’s best to contact your vet.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment. Call your vet for advice, even if it’s outside their usual hours. 

Never put rabbits in ice-cold water or use ice packs directly against their bodies. These sudden temperature changes can make them go into shock. Instead, aim to slowly cool your rabbit while getting them to the vet as soon as possible. 

At the vet, treatment may include intravenous fluids, oxygen and medication. They may also need blood and urine tests. Severe cases may require sedation or anaesthetisation.

Keeping your rabbits cool in the summer will reduce the risk of heatstroke. 

• Offer plenty of shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Try using branches and leaves, or drape an old, damp towel over the enclosure. Avoid plastic, as this can trap heat. 
• If possible, aim to keep your rabbits’ enclosure at around 18-21°C. On hot days, try freezing bottles of water and placing them next to your rabbits’ enclosure for them to sit against. 
• Offer cooling surfaces like ceramic tiles, marble slabs or a shaded patch of concrete for rabbits to lie down. 
• Carry out regular checks – heatstroke can develop quickly, so check on your rabbits frequently during hot days.
• To avoid dehydration, offer plenty of cool water in both bowls and bottles, and make sure these are placed out of direct sunlight. 
• Keep rabbits at a healthy weight – overweight or obese rabbits will overheat more quickly than those with a healthy body condition score (BCS). 
• Groom your rabbits frequently to remove loose hair and help them shed any excess fur. Long-haired breeds, such as the Angora and Lionhead, need more regular grooming and may have greater difficulty staying cool. Consider asking your vet or a professional groomer to trim your long-haired rabbit’s fur to help with this.  

Before summer, it’s a good idea to think about your rabbits’ enclosure and whether they’ll be able to stay cool in warmer weather. A few small adjustments can make all the difference. 

If you have rabbit insurance with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature to speak with veterinary professionals. They can advise additional ways to keep your rabbits as cool and comfortable as possible over the summer. Just log in to your My Petplan account to get started.