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The hot blood pumps in their ears to cool down. On a hot day if you feel their ears, they would be hot and they also breathe quicker like in a way of dogs panting. Most animals use their ears as mode to bring down their body temperature. Long ears suit this function.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoRabbits are very sensitive to heat and they can die from it. If it gets hot, you have to protect your rabbit. The ideal weather for a rabbit is 50-70 F (10-21 C).
In temperatures higher than 70 F (21 C), rabbits need constant access to the shade, good air flow, and extra plenty amounts of cool water.
In temperatures above 75 F (23 C), rabbits need to be provided with special relief from the heat. Possible methods include:
- Keep the rabbit inside and use an air conditioner
- Give the rabbit ceramic or stone tiles to lie on that have been chilled in the freezer
- Put ice in the water
- Freeze a gallon jug full of water and set it near the rabbit - the evaporating ice will cool the air
- Soak a towel in very cold water, drape it near the rabbit (not on the rabbit), and aim a fan at the towel - the evaporating water will cool the air (fans alone aren't much help to rabbits because they don't sweat)
- Spritz the rabbit's ears with cold water, or run an ice cube over the ears
- If the rabbit enjoys it, let him play in a baby pool - the water level should never be higher than the rabbit's belly, and there should be a ramp or some safe way out of the pool so the rabbit doesn't feel trapped -- do NOT do this if it causes your rabbit stress or panic
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoYES. They need to have a cool environment during the heat of the day. A fan blowing indirectly, or a frozen water bottle can help to cool your bunnies off. Rabbits do not sweat, they do not pant and they are wearing a fur coat. (Rabbits do pant but it is a sign of EXTREME heat exhaustion. Something you NEVER want to see) Rabbits cool themselves by running blood thru the veins in their ears to cool it off. (This is one reason that rabbits ears are usually bigger if born in the summer.) A Gatorade bottle (or water bottle) 3/4 full frozen and then put in your rabbit's cage so the bunny can lie up against it to cool themself is perfect. Keep several so you can rotate them in and out.
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Is a rabbit an exotherm or endotherm?
A rabbit is a mammal, and as such it is an endotherm. He produces his own heat from the energy he gets from his food, and has no need of an extern source like the sun or a radiating lightbulb.
How do you save a Rabbit from Heat Stroke?
Methods to keep your rabbit cool on a hot day:Give your rabbit a couple of hard-shelled freezer packs(to avoid damage by teeth), or freeze water in old bottles and place them where your rabbit likes to lie. Even if the rabbit doesn't want to lay against it, it will cool the air as it evaporates.Provide a fan that your rabbit can sit near. Some rabbits do not like a direct breeze, so position the fan to create a cool air flow, but make sure your rabbit can move away from it if he wants to. Fans helps with air flow but otherwise don't much help rabbits because, unlike us, they don't really sweat. A good idea is to drape a cold wet towel near the rabbit and aim the fan at the towel: this will cool the air as the water evaporates.Make sure your rabbit is hydrated! Easy access to several water sources is ideal, and if your rabbit will drink from a bowl you can try leaving a handful of ice cubes in the water to keep it cool for an extended period of time. Drench your rabbit's salad greens in water, too.Air conditioning. This may seem obvious, but if you can afford a cheap a/c unit for the room where your rabbit spends most of its time, your rabbit will be more comfortable.Chill ceramic or stone tiles in the freezer for the rabbit to lie onMist the rabbit's ears with cold waterMaximize air flow and shade in the area. Keep your bunny out of direct sunlight.Keep your bunny well-groomed. Excess fur will increase body temperature. But don't brush your bunny much during a heat wave or the hot part of the day: the friction will increase body temperature, too.Your rabbit's fur coat is the equivalent of you wearing a sweater at all times - if you think you'd be too warm in a sweater, chances are your rabbit is already too warm.Pet rabbits are bred from the European Rabbit, which is adapted to mild, Mediterranean climates, where it never gets too hot. Pet bunnies are most comfortable between 50-75F (10-23C), and when it gets over 78F (25C), they're at risk of deadly heat stroke.If your rabbit is overheated and can't be cooled down by the above methods or a shallow bath in a lukewarm water (i.e. if the rabbit has heat stroke, not just heat stress/exhaustion), you may have a medical emergency on your hands.Signs of heat stroke (be prepared to visit the vet immediately!)PantingLethargySalivationWeaknessConfusionConvulsionIf your rabbit has heat stroke, do NOT put him in a bath!This would actually make the problem worse (the cold water shrinks the blood vessels, making it even harder for the body to cool itself down). It could also put the rabbit in shock. Instead, dampen the ears with cool water, and seek immediate veterinary help.See the related questions below for more info and helpful links.
What does it mean when a rabbit's ear won't stay up?
Assuming that the rabbit is not a lop earred breed, one may assume that the rabbit has damage to the cartilage in it's ear. OR, if summer time, because of extreme heat the rabbit's ears grow faster than the babies do the cartilage is not strong enough to hold up the heavy ears. In some cases the rabbit will grow into it's ears but some may remain damaged for life
What is the name of the rabbit in The Velveteen Rabbit?
The rabbit in The Velveteen Rabbit is just called "Rabbit"; it has no other name.
My rabbit might be 2 weeks pregnant- she is plucking alittle fir and make a nest- but she was with the buck when she wasn't in heat- is she pregnant?
Rabbits don't go into heat! They are induced ovulators which means they are fertile almost all the time
Why is your female rabbit passing blood?
its in heat
Should you put your female rabbit in with your male rabbit when shes in heat?
If you want babies, Yes.
What symptoms your rabbit is near to heat?
being hot
How does the jack rabbit stand the heat of the dessert?
Their very large ears allow them to release heat quicker than a normal rabbit, therefore staying cooler in these conditions.
Do rabbit's go into heat?
no. They're always ready to breed.
Whats awrong with a rabbit if it lays around and breaths hard?
The rabbit may be overheated. Rabbits do not take heat well. They need a well ventilated area to help keep them cool. Spraying lightly with water in the heat can help them bear the heat.
What does it mean when an male rabbit penis is hanging out?
He is either in heat OR he has injured it.
How long can a rabbit stay in heat?
they dont go in heat they ovulate every five days so five days after they have had a litter its shes ready to breed again but not healthy for the rabbit she needs a break too lol.
Does your rabbit need to be in heat to make babies?
A doe rabbit must be 'in season' to reproduce, fortunately doe rabbits are 'in season' most days of the month.
Does a rabbit's large ears aid in cooling its blood?
Yes, a rabbit's long ears most definitely assist in cooling the animal down, especially in extreme heat conditions. The flesh on a rabbit's ears is very thin and they are more lightly furred. When blood flows through the capillaries in the ears, cooler air passing by helps draw some of the heat away from the body. If you happen to have a rabbit suffering from heat exposure, holding a cold, damp cloth or even an icecube against the rabbit's ear will most quickly help it to cool down.
What happens when a female rabbit is in heat?
Female rabbits don't go into heat. Ovulation in rabbits is triggered by fornication, so they don't have a menstrual cycle.
Does a female rabbit private part swell when in heat?
The answer is no. Rabbits are induced ovuators. That means they have no heat cycle, but breeding them causes them to be in heat, which basically ensures that they will get pregnant almost every time. Their 'private part' may look darker red when they have reached an age when they are ready to breed, but not with all rabbits. If your rabbit's genitalia is swollen, this is a sign of illness or injury. Look for other bad signs, and bring the rabbit to a "rabbit-savvy" vet as soon as possible. See the related questions below for info and links.
