Summer is coming up fast. For pet owners, you’ll need to take some steps to keep your pet cool and comfy over the next few months. That applies to rabbits, too! A Louisville, KY vet offers some summer bunny care advice below.
Summer Spot
Did you know that bunnies can overheat at just 78F? Keep Floppy’s room cooler than that! If your bunny’s cage is in a sunny area, you may want to relocate it until the weather cools down.
Ice Out
On really hot days, go ahead and drop an ice cube into Floppy’s water bottle. You can also freeze water bottles, and put them in her cage. Drape a towel or dish cloth over them. Many rabbits enjoy having something cool to rest against!
Brushing
Does Floppy have long fur? If so, you should brush her daily. Short-haired buns can be brushed a few times a week.
Cold Treats
Who doesn’t like a cool snack on a hot day? Give Floppy some chilled veggies to snack on. Cucumbers and melons are a great bet at this time of year, as they are so refreshing. Just be sure to stick with safe foods. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Tile
Another way to keep your bunny cool is to freeze a ceramic tile, and put it in her cage for her to rest on if she likes. Get a few different ones, so you can rotate them.
Outdoors
Bunnies do enjoy getting outside, and soaking up some fresh air and sunshine. However, you’ll want to think twice about letting your furry pal out to play. First and foremost, you should only let Floppy out if you have a fenced yard, and if you have not used chemical fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn. It’s also best to err on the side of caution, and make an enclosed bunny run.
No Swim
Fido really likes swimming, but the water is very dangerous for Floppy. Bunnies get very, very scared of the water. In fact, many will go into shock when wet. This can be fatal! You can mist your furry friend’s adorable ears with water to cool her down, but aside from that, keep her dry. Wet fur and skin also puts rabbits at risk of developing flystrike.
Please contact us, your Louisville, KY animal clinic, for all your bunny’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
