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HOOD
I'm trying to keep my rabbit cool from the Houston heat. She has been outside for a few years, however it seems it's getting harder to keep her cooled off. I've tried putting ice bags in her cage and they melt after four hours. I have also tried water bottles but, it melts with in an hour.....=/
I would appreciate any advice, thank you.
Answer
I know how bad the heat is, I'm from Louisiana. The older your rabbit gets the harder it is on them. If it is a pet I would just bring them inside, at least for the summer if nothing else. Summer is a lot harder on rabbits than winter is.
But if you can't, here are some tips to keep your rabbit cool:
-place frozen water bottles (large ones) in your rabbits cage every day (they learn to lay next to them and it really helps). replace them as they melt. the bigger the bottle, the longer it will last.
-mist your rabbits ears with cool water using a spray bottle. rabbits control their body temperature through their ears. just try not to get water inside their ears, you don't want to cause an ear infection. spray the outside.
-hook up a misting system around their cage.
-set up 1 or more fans that blow in their general direction.
-be sure to place your rabbit & it's cage in the shade...never in direct sun and away from wind & rain.
-add 1-2 floor tiles for him to lay on. the tiles stay cool compared to board and mats.
-always provide fresh, cool water at all times! check his water often and refill with cold water if it is hot. rabbits will not drink hot water and can dehydrate fast.
If your rabbit were to experience a heat stroke:
Put a few inches of cool (not cold) water in a small tub or sink. Gently place your bunny in the water. Cup the water in your hand and gently pour it over the rabbits coat. Pour the water especially over the rabbits ears - this will help them cool down the fastest.
How to tell if your rabbit is dehydrated:
Symptoms - If your rabbit has stopped drinking and peeing. If their skin 'stays' in one place when you pinch it together rather than it immediately releasing back into place. If your rabbit has diarrhea.
Treatment -
Soak carrot tops in water to entice them to eat and get the fluid. Offer them apples and bananas, apple juice and pinneapple juice.
If they won't drink on their own you will need to feed them with an oral syringe. (note NEVER oral syring feed a rabbit on their back!! or they can easily breathe in the liquid). These are available at your vet or any pharmacy (baby syringe feeder). Feed them unflavored children's Pedialyte. This contains electrolytes and other things needed for dehydration which are not contained in regular water. If you can get it fast enough you can use Am-Tech rather than pedialyte (www.jefferslivestock.com), an amino acid formula used to combat the dehydration and get them the nutrients they need during severe illnesses. The important thing is that you need to quickly get your rabbit hydrated by whichever method they will tolerate.
If they are too weak to drink, or extremely hydrated and need immediate fluids, you'll need to get lactated ringer solution from your vet. This is for sub-cutaneus application (under the skin, not in the muscle or veins). It will come with a needle, syringe tubing, etc. Your vet can show you how to administer. I usually do about a golfball in size between the shoulderblades for an adult (small holland sized) rabbit. There's not really a risk of overdosing, but it can be painful for the rabbit if you 'overfill' an area. Once that goes down in size I administer again in a couple hours if they are still dehydrated. Do not reuse your needles, they dull after one use and can be very painful for the rabbit. They are also no longer steralized after use.
Good luck and keep that bunny cool!
I know how bad the heat is, I'm from Louisiana. The older your rabbit gets the harder it is on them. If it is a pet I would just bring them inside, at least for the summer if nothing else. Summer is a lot harder on rabbits than winter is.
But if you can't, here are some tips to keep your rabbit cool:
-place frozen water bottles (large ones) in your rabbits cage every day (they learn to lay next to them and it really helps). replace them as they melt. the bigger the bottle, the longer it will last.
-mist your rabbits ears with cool water using a spray bottle. rabbits control their body temperature through their ears. just try not to get water inside their ears, you don't want to cause an ear infection. spray the outside.
-hook up a misting system around their cage.
-set up 1 or more fans that blow in their general direction.
-be sure to place your rabbit & it's cage in the shade...never in direct sun and away from wind & rain.
-add 1-2 floor tiles for him to lay on. the tiles stay cool compared to board and mats.
-always provide fresh, cool water at all times! check his water often and refill with cold water if it is hot. rabbits will not drink hot water and can dehydrate fast.
If your rabbit were to experience a heat stroke:
Put a few inches of cool (not cold) water in a small tub or sink. Gently place your bunny in the water. Cup the water in your hand and gently pour it over the rabbits coat. Pour the water especially over the rabbits ears - this will help them cool down the fastest.
How to tell if your rabbit is dehydrated:
Symptoms - If your rabbit has stopped drinking and peeing. If their skin 'stays' in one place when you pinch it together rather than it immediately releasing back into place. If your rabbit has diarrhea.
Treatment -
Soak carrot tops in water to entice them to eat and get the fluid. Offer them apples and bananas, apple juice and pinneapple juice.
If they won't drink on their own you will need to feed them with an oral syringe. (note NEVER oral syring feed a rabbit on their back!! or they can easily breathe in the liquid). These are available at your vet or any pharmacy (baby syringe feeder). Feed them unflavored children's Pedialyte. This contains electrolytes and other things needed for dehydration which are not contained in regular water. If you can get it fast enough you can use Am-Tech rather than pedialyte (www.jefferslivestock.com), an amino acid formula used to combat the dehydration and get them the nutrients they need during severe illnesses. The important thing is that you need to quickly get your rabbit hydrated by whichever method they will tolerate.
If they are too weak to drink, or extremely hydrated and need immediate fluids, you'll need to get lactated ringer solution from your vet. This is for sub-cutaneus application (under the skin, not in the muscle or veins). It will come with a needle, syringe tubing, etc. Your vet can show you how to administer. I usually do about a golfball in size between the shoulderblades for an adult (small holland sized) rabbit. There's not really a risk of overdosing, but it can be painful for the rabbit if you 'overfill' an area. Once that goes down in size I administer again in a couple hours if they are still dehydrated. Do not reuse your needles, they dull after one use and can be very painful for the rabbit. They are also no longer steralized after use.
Good luck and keep that bunny cool!
Anyone know a good place to go camping in Southeast Texas?
Stephanie
We live about 20 minutes north of Houston, Texas. But would be willing to drive about an hour and a half or so. I don't want completely rustic. I want running water, a place to fish, a swimming pool would be nice, and a hottub would be awesome, but those are not necessary. Everyone going would be in their twenties.
Answer
You are very close to quite a few Texas State Parks! I wouldn't count on the hot tub, but some or all will have everything else. Just make reservations...it's become ridiculously popular to weekend camp at the state parks! Check out their website at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/
Have fun!
You are very close to quite a few Texas State Parks! I wouldn't count on the hot tub, but some or all will have everything else. Just make reservations...it's become ridiculously popular to weekend camp at the state parks! Check out their website at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/
Have fun!
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Title Post: How can I keep my rabbit cool from the weather?
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