Q&A for How to Treat Heat Stroke in Rabbits

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Can rabbits die of heatstroke?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Rabbits are prone to heatstroke which, in the worst cases, can prove fatal very quickly (such as within 15-20 minutes). Rabbits have limited ways of losing heat and don't cope at all well with raised temperatures, hence the need for the owner to be constantly vigilant.

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Question

What do you do when a rabbit has a heat stroke?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Take immediate action to cool the rabbit. This includes moving them to a cool place, wetting their paws, dampening their fur with cool water, and placing a fan so that it blows cool air over their wet coat. Avoid using ice or ice water as this can shut their circulation down. Contact a vet as soon as you have initiated these first aid steps.

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Question

What temperature can rabbits tolerate?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Rabbits tolerate a relatively narrow temperature range. Their preferred temperature is between 10-21 degrees C (50-70 degrees F).

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Question

How do you cool down a rabbit?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Move the rabbit to a shady or cool place. Dampen their coat and ears with cool (but not freezing) water. Place a fan so that it blows cool air over their coat. If the rabbit is distressed, do these first aid measures first and then call the vet.

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