Rabbits are particularly prone to heatstroke because they have few resources to protect themselves from the heat. They cannot cool off by perspiring from their paws like dogs do. Furthermore, being prey animals, they are able to hide discomforts and problems so as not to show their vulnerability. In other words, when a rabbit suffers from heat stroke, it strives to hide its suffering, so it is important for the owner to pay close attention to the symptoms. The situation could quickly worsen if he is exposed to direct sunlight with no access to a shaded area, so always make sure you know where he is and have everything he needs at his disposal so that his body temperature does not rise excessively.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Acting Immediately
Step 1. Take it to a cool place
As soon as you notice the signs of a heatstroke, immediately pick up the rabbit and gently take it to a cool place. It could be a room with a fan or air conditioning, whatever space you have available.
At least, take it out of the sun and put it in the shade
Step 2. Refresh it
As an emergency measure, start giving him some cooling by sprinkling cool, but not freezing water over the body, or by shallowly submerging him in room temperature water. However, make sure it's only 2.5-5cm deep at most, as rabbits panic easily in deep water.
Some people suggest applying denatured alcohol on the paws because it has a refreshing action and evaporates quickly
Step 3. Offer him water to drink
You need to hydrate the rabbit as soon as possible. By ingesting fresh water, you will be able to lower your body temperature.
This operation is as important as that of refreshing the external parts of the body
Step 4. Don't let the temperature drop too quickly
Do not use ice water otherwise it may cause thermal shock. It is preferable to gradually reduce the temperature of the body.
Part 2 of 4: Refer the Rabbit for Veterinarian Care
Step 1. Contact your vet urgently
If he shows no signs of improvement, call your vet and let him know there is an emergency. If he is not available because the practice is closed, you should call someone who has a 24-hour emergency service.
Whoever answers the phone may ask you a few questions about your furry friend's condition to help you figure out if he needs an urgent visit
Step 2. Cool the rabbit during transport
If you need to take him to the vet, keep his body temperature low. Wrap it in a damp towel and turn on the air conditioning in the car.
Another person may need intervention to transport and keep a rabbit suffering from heatstroke cool. However, if there is no one who can help you, lower the temperature in the car and provide him with fresh water
Step 3. Avoid stressing him further
Do not panic. These animals can feel tension and physically react. Since they have a rather sensitive organism, you may want to keep your furry friend calm.
To reassure him, caress him gently and cover his eyes
Step 4. Consider that the emergency treatment is limited to further refreshing the patient
If heatstroke is severe, fluids need to be given intravenously to lower his body temperature. It is the best, if not the only, treatment your vet can provide for heatstroke.
The administration of fluids tends to restore the functionality of the vital organs affected by dehydration
Part 3 of 4: Identifying the Heatstroke
Step 1. Don't expect the signs to be obvious
You will need to pay attention because the more visible they are, the more serious your rabbit's condition.
In other words, you need to keep your body temperature under control before you exhibit the physical symptoms of heatstroke. Therefore, learn to observe his reactions
Step 2. Notice if he has red ears
The first sign of heatstroke is red ears, as the body tries to disperse heat by increasing the flow of blood to this part of the body.
Since the hair is thinner on the ears, the body is able to expel heat more easily where the skin is less covered
Step 3. Pay attention if he breathes with his mouth open
Rabbits cannot pant like dogs and have small sweat glands in their paws, so they have a hard time cooling off. Usually, they breathe through their nose, but when the nostrils are too hot they open their mouths to catch their breath.
Since this is unusual behavior, you shouldn't underestimate it
Step 4. See if your nostrils widen
In addition to opening its mouth, the rabbit may dilate its nostrils. This attitude indicates labored and faster breathing in an attempt to lose heat.
Step 5. Notice if she drools or increases saliva production
At the origin there could be various problems, most often dental, but there is also the possibility that the rabbit has been hit by heat stroke because, by drooling or producing more saliva, it is only trying to lose heat.
Step 6. Beware of strange behaviors
Normally, heatstroke involves lethargy and weakness. The rabbit is reluctant to move and prefers to sit still. If you encourage him to move, he may appear to be staggering, tired, or confused.
Finally, heatstroke causes seizures, which can lead to coma and death
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Heatstroke
Step 1. Position the hutch appropriately
Carefully consider where to place it trying to figure out how much your furry friend will be exposed to the elements. At least make sure it isn't sunny and doesn't have access to shade.
In addition to the sun, it should be protected from all kinds of weather, including rain, snow and strong winds
Step 2. Help him keep cool
It is especially important on hot days. Give him some cooling off by placing a large ceramic tile that has been cooled in the refrigerator on the floor of the hutch or a baking sheet containing a few inches of cold water in which to soak.
Another idea is to freeze some water bottles and put them in the hutch. He may lie down nearby or lick condensation to cool off
Step 3. Make sure there is a good draft around the hutch or run
In this way, the temperature of the environment in which he lives will not tend to rise. Therefore, do not place its habitat in a place where the air is totally stagnant. If it's very hot, try putting a fan on the floor, directed towards a corner, so that he can choose whether to lie down in front or not.
Do not continuously expose it to fan air. You should give him the option to choose if and when to cool off
Step 4. Provide a constant supply of water
It is absolutely essential to keep the body temperature low. Therefore, have a couple of bowls or a drinking trough with two bottles available to him in case one spills or becomes empty.
When rabbits become dehydrated, they are prone to heat stroke
Step 5. Feed him vegetables rich in water
Vegetables with a high water content are an additional source of hydration that wards off heat exhaustion. Cucumber is a great option.
You can also rinse the vegetables and leave them wet so they offer an extra supply of water
Step 6. Consider moving its habitat in case of extreme weather conditions
When the outside temperature becomes too high, you should move the rabbit and all its necessities elsewhere. Consider a shady area, a cooler building, or even the inside of your home when the weather could put a strain on your health.
