By Addison Lim
June 30th, 2024
5 Budget Friendly Hacks to Keep Your Rabbit Cool
As temperatures rise and summer settles in, it is crucial to ensure our furry friends stay as cool as possible. Rabbits are very sensitive to temperature and are often prone to suffer from heat related incidents such as heat strokes.
provide a good amount of ventilation
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Just like humans, rabbits need a good amount of cool ventilation. This can be provided through your home’s air conditioning system. If your rabbit's enclosure cannot reach ventilation, place the enclosure out of direct sunlight and in a place where a window to open is available.
“Frozen Water Bottles in a Sock”
​This hack calls for a plastic water bottle and a sock. Fill the water bottle with water and freeze overnight. Once frozen, place the water bottle cap down into the sock to prevent your rabbit from chewing it. Lay the frozen sock bottle near your rabbit close enough to touch their body. Your rabbit might explore and play with it, and that’s totally safe! Remember to replace the bottles with freshly frozen ones as they thaw throughout the day.
Damp Towels
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Provide your rabbit with a damp towel or mat to lie on during the hottest parts of the day. Dampening a towel with cool water can create a refreshing surface for your rabbit to rest on. Avoid making the towel soaking wet to prevent discomfort. Place it in your rabbit’s favorite resting spot or near a fan for an intense cooling effect!
Cooling Treats
​This hack is going to be your rabbit’s favorite. There are many ways to offer your rabbit cold treats. One way is to freeze your rabbit’s top choices of fruit which could include strawberry, blueberries, grapes, pineapple, etc. and feed in moderation. Another way is to place leafy greens like basil, cilantro, and lettuce into an ice cube tray, fill the tray with water and freeze. Giving your rabbit this can help cool them down as they take time to melt the ice.
No Plastic - No Blankets​
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If your rabbit uses plastic dishes and water bowls, replace them with ceramic bowls to keep water and food cool. Ceramic bowls keep water cold for longer than plastic bowls do. In addition, if your rabbit has a plastic playpen or litter box, place a granite brick or a flat cold surface around or on there. Some cheap places to obtain the surfaces include Amazon or Etsy. Home Depot and Lowes also have granite samples that can be used as well. If your enclosure or room has blankets or soft beds lying around from winter, take them out for better ventilation.
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Final Note​
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By implementing these budget-friendly hacks, you can help your rabbit beat the heat and enjoy a safe and comfortable summer. Remember, monitoring your rabbit’s behavior and adjusting these methods as needed will ensure they stay cool and healthy during the hottest months of the year. With a little effort and creativity, you can keep your beloved pet happy and thriving all summer long.
Further Reading
More resources on keeping your rabbit cool in summer!
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