Symptoms of heat stroke rabbit-what to do when a Bunny has a heat stroke

Rabbits are very sensitive to extreme temperatures. In nature, the temperature in their burrows only varies by a few degrees all year round, even in the summers hotter or colder winters. Rabbits Don't sweat and the only way they can to cool their bodies is by dilating blood vessels in their ears.

Causes

Heat stroke in pet rabbits is generally caused by the rabbit is left in direct sunlight or near a heat source such as a radiator. It is obviously more common during the summer months, but can also be caused by a moving outdoor rabbit indoors during the winter-the sudden change in temperature can cause the rabbits to overheat.

Symptoms

A rabbit suffering from heat stroke will be breathing very fast and can be gasping. Is likely to be lying stretched out on the ground and can be trembling or shaking. Probably not show any interest in her or his surroundings.

What to do if your rabbit has heat stroke

Heat stroke is an emergency. The first thing to do is move your rabbit somewhere cooler. Cool damp flannels through his ears, forehead and legs. We offer some drinking-water at room temperature, not too cold to avoid upsetting the rabbit's stomach.

When your rabbit breathing begins to settle down and once again is showing interest in his surroundings, offer some green leafy vegetables recently washed in cold water.

Prevention

During the warm season, ensure that rabbit hutch is in a shaded area and that always has a lot of water to drink. Place frozen water bottles in hutch and check on your rabbit frequently to ensure that it is showing signs of heat stroke. When you travel with your rabbit, keep the car as cool as possible and stop at least once an hour to offer your rabbit some water and check on his condition.

Copyright 2011 Hannah Davis/Bunnyhugga.com all rights reserved

Hannah Davis writes for Bunnyhugga.com, a library of online information for owners of rabbit.

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