Air conditioning if temps are over 77° F (25° C).
Oscillating fans if no air conditioning.
Trim away excess fur — ‘puppy’ haircuts for fuzzy bunnies.
Relocate bunny to a cooler part of the house. Keep out of sunlight.
Mist bunny’s ears — evaporating water will help with cooling.
Set up a fan to blow over a bowl of cold water or a wet sheet.
Place frozen water bottles near bunny.
Freeze ceramic tiles for 15 minutes for bunny to lie on.
Wrap a frozen 2L bottle with a towel as a bolster to lean against.
Add ice to bunny’s water crock.
Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion:
Tossing head back while breathing rapidly from open mouth.
These symptoms indicate an emergency. Take immediate action! Relocate to a cool place, keep out of sun, dampen ears with cool water, give cold water to drink, and call an experienced exotics veterinarian for further instructions.
More information:
www.specialbunny.org/overheating
https://rabbit.org/faq-warm-weather-concerns/
by Amy Ramnaraine
House Rabbit Society Educator, Minnesota
https://rabbit.org/keep-your-rabbit-cool-in-the-summer/