25/05/2026
Keeping Rabbits Cool During a Heatwave ☀️🐰
Hot weather can quickly become dangerous for rabbits. Unlike humans, rabbits cannot sweat and once they overheat, it is very difficult for them to cool themselves back down. Heatstroke can happen quickly — especially in hutches, sheds, or runs exposed to direct sunlight.
At Ashford Small Animal Boarding, keeping rabbits cool, comfortable, and safe during warmer weather is a top priority. With the right setup and a bit of forward planning, you can significantly reduce the risks at home too.
Why Heat Is So Dangerous For Rabbits
Rabbits are built for cooler climates and struggle once temperatures rise above around 25°C. This becomes even more of a concern for:
Long-haired or fluffy breeds (e.g. Lionheads)
Giant breeds
Elderly rabbits
Overweight rabbits
Rabbits in enclosed or poorly ventilated housing
Signs of Heat Stress
Rapid or shallow breathing
Lethargy or reluctance to move
Warm or hot ears
Drooling
Loss of appetite
Stretching out flat
Weakness or wobbling
If a rabbit collapses or shows severe symptoms, this is an emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Create Shade — This Is Essential 🌳
Runs and hutches in direct sunlight can heat up very quickly, even on what feels like a mild day.
Adding shade is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do:
Shade sails or garden parasols
Tarpaulins or sheets secured safely
Positioning runs under trees or against shaded areas
Moving runs throughout the day as the sun shifts https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1F4YSwSJsL/
The key is to block direct sunlight while still allowing plenty of airflow. Never fully wrap a run or hutch in a way that traps heat inside.
Reflective Hutch Covers 🌡️
https://deemillen.co.uk/.../12875-1580-hutch-snuggles-to...
Using a good quality reflective hutch cover can make a noticeable difference during hot weather.
Hutch covers help to:
Block direct sunlight
Reduce heat build-up inside the hutch
Create shaded resting areas
Protect from weather extremes
Products such as Hutch Snugglers are designed to reflect heat away while still allowing airflow when used correctly.
Important: Covers should never completely seal the hutch — ventilation must always be maintained.
Fly Screens — A Summer Must 🪰
Heat brings flies, and with rabbits this isn’t just annoying — it can be dangerous.
Flystrike is a serious and often fatal condition where flies lay eggs on a rabbit, usually around the rear area.
Adding fine mesh fly screens to hutch doors and runs helps:
Reduce flies entering the enclosure
Improve airflow while keeping insects out
Allow doors to remain open safely in warm weather
This is especially important for outdoor rabbits and during peak summer months.
https://deemillen.co.uk/.../12709-fly-screen-for-hutch...
Extra Ways To Keep Rabbits Cool
Frozen Water Bottles
Fill and freeze large bottles of water, then wrap in a towel or pillowcase. Rabbits will lie next to them to cool down.
Ceramic or Slate Tiles
These stay naturally cool and give rabbits a comfortable place to lie.
Fresh Water
Check and refill water regularly. Bottles and bowls can warm up quickly in the heat.
Wet Vegetables
Feeding washed veg (without drying) helps increase water intake.
Grooming
Remove excess fur, especially on long-haired rabbits, to prevent heat build-up.
Reduce Stress
Avoid transporting, bonding, or excessive handling during the hottest parts of the day.
Indoor Rabbits Need Support Too
Indoor rabbits can be just as at risk, particularly in:
Conservatories
Rooms with large windows
Poorly ventilated spaces
To help:
Close curtains/blinds during peak sun
Use fans (not blowing directly at the rabbit)
Provide cooling aids like tiles and frozen bottles
Keep rooms well ventilated
Final Thoughts
Rabbits cope far better with cold than they do with heat, and UK heatwaves are becoming more frequent.
Simple changes such as adding shade, improving airflow, using reflective covers, and protecting against flies can make a huge difference.
A little preparation can prevent serious health issues — and keep your rabbits safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the summer
Are you off on Holiday? We have limited space for the summer break- please message us with your dates.
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