Keeping rabbits cool this summer

Table of contents

Practical Tips That Work

Rabbits aren’t built for heat. They cope much better with cold weather than hot, and temperatures above 24°C can quickly become dangerous.

If you’re feeling warm, your rabbit probably is too, especially if they live outdoors or in a conservatory. Overheating can lead to stress, loss of appetite, or even heatstroke.

So, how can you keep your rabbit cool in summer?

This post shares practical, easy-to-follow advice to help your rabbit stay safe and comfortable during hot weather. Whether they live indoors or out, these tips will make a real difference.

Why rabbits struggle in hot weather

Rabbits have thick fur and no sweat glands. They can’t cool down by panting the way dogs do. Instead, they rely on their ears to release heat, but that’s not enough when the temperature rises too high.

You may notice:

  • Lethargy
  • Fast or shallow breathing
  • Warm ears
  • Flopped posture
  • Loss of appetite
  • In severe cases, drooling or unresponsiveness

Rabbits can develop heatstroke quickly. That’s why prevention is key.

1. Keep them in the shade all day

Shade is essential. Whether your rabbit lives in a hutch, shed, or run, make sure it’s completely out of direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon when temperatures peak.

If the sun moves across their space during the day, you’ll need to move them or provide cover.

Try:

  • Moving hutches to the north or east side of a building
  • Using shade cloth, garden parasols, or cardboard panels
  • Placing them under trees or covered patios

Don’t rely on temporary shade—it needs to last all day.

2. Improve airflow

Good ventilation helps remove warm air and prevent stuffiness.

Outdoors:

  • Raise the hutch slightly off the ground to allow air underneath
  • Open any safe doors or hutch panels to increase airflow
  • Use mesh panels instead of solid ones if possible

Indoors:

  • Keep windows open if it’s safe
  • Use a fan in the room, but never point it directly at your rabbit
  • Create a cross-breeze by opening doors on opposite sides

You can place a frozen bottle in front of a fan to gently cool the air in the room.

keeping rabbits cool - rabbit care certificat

3. Use frozen water bottles for cooling

A simple and effective trick. Fill a clean plastic water bottle, freeze it, and wrap it in a towel or sock.

Place it:

  • In the hutch or run
  • Near their usual resting spot
  • In their favourite shady corner

Rabbits will often lie next to it or lean against it when they’re too warm.

Keep two or three frozen bottles on rotation so you always have one ready to go.

Avoid freezer blocks containing chemicals—stick to plain water bottles.

4. Offer fresh, water-rich vegetables

Hydration isn’t just about drinking. Rabbits get moisture from food, too.

Safe summer veg includes:

  • Cucumber (small slices)
  • Romaine lettuce (not iceberg)
  • Celery leaves
  • Coriander
  • Basil
  • Mint
  • Rocket

Serve small amounts once or twice a day. Always introduce new veg slowly to avoid upset stomachs.

Avoid sugary fruits or watery veg like iceberg lettuce, which can cause digestive issues.

5. Make sure they always have fresh water

Water warms quickly in the sun.

Check bottles and bowls at least twice a day. Refill with cool water and clean off any algae or dirt.

Top tips:

  • Use both a bottle and a bowl—some rabbits drink more from one than the other
  • Add ice cubes on very hot days
  • Keep spares ready in case one leaks or clogs

Hydration is one of the best defences against heat stress.

6. Let them dig or lie on cool ground

If your rabbit has access to grass, they’ll naturally seek out cooler ground to lie on.

Make sure:

  • The area is secure and escape-proof
  • There’s enough shaded space for them to move around
  • You supervise if they’re prone to digging under fences

You can also provide:

  • Ceramic tiles that stay cool
  • Damp towels over part of the run (don’t soak the whole area)
  • Chinchilla dust baths for indoor rabbits (not wet baths!)

Let your rabbit choose the cool spot they prefer.

7. Trim thick coats—but never shave

If your rabbit has long or dense fur, a summer trim can help, but don’t shave them.

Shaving removes the natural protection against sunburn and temperature regulation. Instead:

  • Brush daily to remove loose fur
  • Trim around the bottom to prevent flystrike
  • Check under their belly and around their ears for mats

If your rabbit hates grooming, ask your vet or a rabbit-savvy groomer for help.

8. Keep the space clean and dry

Heat and humidity can lead to flystrike—a serious risk for rabbits in summer.

  • Clean litter trays daily
  • Remove soiled bedding quickly
  • Use fly screens or netting if needed
  • Check your rabbit’s rear end for signs of dirt or soft poo

If your rabbit sits in a damp or dirty corner, the risk increases. Clean, dry, and cool is the goal.

9. Check them regularly during hot spells

On very hot days, check your rabbit more than once.

Look out for:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in posture
  • Sitting still and breathing fast
  • Warm ears and nose
  • Less activity than usual

If in doubt, bring them inside to a cooler space or contact your vet.

It’s always better to act early.

Can you bring your rabbit indoors during heat waves?

Yes, if you have a cool, quiet room.

Choose a space that is:

  • Away from direct sunlight
  • Free of loud noise
  • Not too humid
  • Well ventilated

Please set up a pen with their usual litter tray, water, hay, and hide. Let them explore and settle.

Rabbits need space and calm—never put them in a stuffy bathroom or noisy kitchen.

What about rabbits in sheds?

If your rabbits live in a shed, take extra care.

Sheds heat up quickly and can become dangerous. To keep the temperature down:

  • Install air vents
  • Open windows and doors for airflow
  • Use shade cloth on the roof
  • Freeze bottles and place them inside
  • Check the temperature with a room thermometer

You may need to move them indoors if the shed gets too warm.

Stay alert, stay cool.

Rabbits can’t tell us when they’re too hot—but they show it in other ways.

A calm, shaded, clean space with plenty of water and good airflow is the best way to protect them. Check regularly. Make small changes that help your rabbit feel calm and safe.

If you’re away or need help, I offer in-home rabbit care across Muswell Hill and the Finchley area in North London. I can pop in, top up water, check their condition, and keep their environment clean and safe while you’re out or on holiday.

Get in touch today to book summer rabbit visits or ask any questions.

Let’s keep your rabbits cool, calm, and cared for