Summer Fun with your Rabbits

In the UAE, rabbits should not be kept outdoors as they don’t tolerate heat well. Here are some activities and tips for keeping your rabbit busy indoors and protected from the harsh summer heat:

1. Give your bunny for at least 30 minutes a day playtime in free range away from the window or source of sun rays, with enough room for all your rabbits to stretch out away from each other.
2. Let them play around in an airconditioned room or well-ventilated cool area of the house, just be careful not to have a fab blowing directly to your pet.
3. After playing, allow them to lie down or rest on cold ceramic or marble tiles. Some rabbits like flat surfaces instead of soft bedding.
4. You may also freeze an old bottle (option to wrap them in an old sock or towel) and place it next to their bedding.
5. Spend time grooming them and brushing off any extra fur or trimming their hair during summer to help them keep cool.
6. Rabbits like to chew, so give them branches from untreated trees or fresh leafy vegetables washed in cold water, especially during the hottest points in the day. Do not completely shake off the excess water to add little hydration
7. Put an iced tube in the play area or small ice cubes in the drinking bowl and show how to spin and rotate those in the water.
8. Always provide clean drinking water near the play zone or put multiple sources of clean and cold water around the area.
9. Use little spray bottles or water gun sprayers to give light misting in their body and the back of their ears.
10. Do you know that rabbits like things that make noise? Get creative and be playful with some home items. Simple things you have like keys, empty cans, carton boxes, hard plastic toys or even jar lids are good materials to be enjoyed by your pets. To make a toy more interesting for your bunnies, hiding healthy treats in toilet paper rolls and old tissue boxes. Read more from Indoor Games and Fun Activities with our Pet.

Exercise should be promoted daily to maintain good muscles and healthy joints. Regular check-ups at your veterinarian would be advisable. If you notice weakness, inactivity, unusual panting or any signs of heat stroke in your rabbit, contact your nearest vet. Call our clinic at 04 340 8601 for emergency and preventive care.

Written by Monica Bruno