Feeding rabbits

The summer has arrived and while many of us are enjoying the wonderful hot weather of the season, our pets may not be enjoying it quite so much.

Rabbits in particular are vulnerable to heatstroke and rely on their owners to provide them with cooler conditions during the summer months. Wild rabbits go underground or hide under shrubs and bushes to keep cool, so here we look at how, as pet owners, we can help in keeping rabbits cool in the hot weather.

There are more than 50 different species!

How to Spot Heat Stroke Symptoms in Rabbits

Heatstroke in rabbits can be fatal, as for other small animals. If you can spot the symptoms of heatstroke in the early stages, then you will have time to reverse the effects. The main symptoms to look out for are:

• Fast, shallow breathing
• Wetness around the nose
• Breathing rapidly from an open mouth whilst throwing their head back
• Hot ears