Content
- Does rabbit feel cold in winter?
- Dwarf rabbit feel cold?
- Rabbit hibernates in winter?
- Symptoms of a cold rabbit
- What to do if your rabbit feels cold?
- Caring for rabbits that feel cold
If you've decided to adopt a rabbit as a pet or already have one, it's important to know that these lagomorphs need special cares with the coming of winter to keep your good health.
Although rabbits tolerate cold better than heat, low temperatures and climate change can increase their risk of developing some of the common rabbit diseases, such as colds and respiratory problems. They can also cause hypothermia.
In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will explain if rabbit feels cold and what you can do to help regulate your body temperature by safely providing heat. In addition, we offer some tips for caring for your rabbit in winter.
Does rabbit feel cold in winter?
As we said, rabbits adapt better to temperate and cold climates than to very hot regions, where they can suffer a heat stroke quite easily. There are several breeds of rabbits, so your lagomorph companion's tolerance to cold may vary depending on the characteristics of your organism and its place of origin.
In theory, rabbits in the wild can withstand temperatures of down to -10 °C, as long as they have some shelter where they can protect themselves from the weather. However, if your rodent is used to living indoors and at a stable temperature, exposure to this cold can seriously harm its health. No domestic rabbits should be exposed to extreme temperatures, whether from cold or heat.
Dwarf rabbit feel cold?
On the other hand, we must consider that dwarf rabbits are more vulnerable to cold and weather changes. Ideally they live in an environment with medium temperatures between 18°C and 20°C, not to develop respiratory problems and other illnesses that the cold can cause in rabbits.
Rabbit hibernates in winter?
No, no known rabbit species currently have the ability or habit to hibernate. Therefore, you will need to pay special attention to food and well-being of your friend during the winter.
Symptoms of a cold rabbit
Now that you know that lagomorphs adapt well to temperate regions, you might wonder how to tell if a rabbit is cold. The body temperature of rabbits varies between 38°C and 40°C and the ideal temperature for your environment should be around 18°C. When the ambient temperature drops quickly or abruptly, we can observe the following Symptoms of Cold in Rabbits:
- Tremors;
- muscle stiffness;
- Muzzle and cold ears;
- Cramps;
- Dry skin;
- Slower breathing;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Slow movements;
- Clumsy movements;
- Inactivity.
If the rabbit's body temperature is below 36 °C, characteristic symptoms of hypothermia may occur, which indicate a more serious deterioration of your health condition. Some of symptoms of hypothermia in rabbits are:
- Loss of appetite;
- Reduction in heart rate;
- Dilated pupils;
- Stare;
- Depression;
- Disorientation;
- Fainting;
- Collapse;
- Sudden death.
Do you think your rabbit is sick? Check out the symptoms of a sick rabbit in this PeritoAnimal article.
What to do if your rabbit feels cold?
If you notice that your rabbit has cold ears or shows other signs of cold, you should act quickly to prevent the body temperature from falling and hypothermia occurring. Many people wonder what to put in rabbits to ward off the cold.
A good idea is wrap the rabbit with a blanket, to protect you and transmit heat. You can also place it in your arms, wrapped in a blanket, in a sheet or dry towel for a few minutes, using your own body heat to help regulate your body temperature and fight the symptoms of cold.
If your rabbit has been wet with snow or rain, before wrapping it in the blanket, it will be necessary dry it with a clean, dry towel. Humidity combined with cold can facilitate the development of symptoms of hypothermia. Do not use thermal pads as the combination of electricity and humidity is very dangerous and you risk burning your rabbit.
Of course, you should keep it indoors in an environment with stable temperatures and not less than 18°C. When your rabbit has recovered from the cold, we recommend that you check its body for burns or characteristic frostbite spots. If you spot an anomaly, don't hesitate to take your rabbit to a specialized veterinary center to check your health status.
On the other hand, if you notice that your rabbit is already showing symptoms of hypothermia, you can use the above methods as first aid, but you need to. urgently seek a veterinarian skilled.
Caring for rabbits that feel cold
To prevent your rabbit from feeling cold, you will need to take some specific care during the winter, in addition to the basic care that rabbits require to lead a healthy, active and happy life. Below, we'll summarize the main care for your rabbit in winter:
- Pack the house: if the region you live in has very harsh winters, heating systems will help provide ideal temperatures for your rabbit in winter. However, keep in mind that artificial heating usually dries the air, so we recommend spraying the room with water two to three times a week. Remember not to water the rabbit but to spray the environment.
- Prepare your cage or rabbit hutch: the rabbit's cage is its resting place as well as its refuge, so it should be prepared to provide comfort and shelter during the winter. If your rabbit is used to living outside the house, it is essential that the cage or rabbit hutch is protected from the elements. In addition to leaving a blanket at your disposal, remember to cover the rabbit cage at night to keep out cold or wind. If your rabbit's cage is indoors, remember to place it in a location free of drafts and with good lighting.
- Food: like almost all non-hibernating mammals, rabbits generally increase their food intake during the winter. Your body expends more energy to keep your metabolism steady and fight the cold, so your pet needs a slightly more energetic diet. At PeritoAnimal, we offer a complete guide to feeding rabbits at every stage of their lives.
- Physical activity and mental stimulation: Rabbits are very active and intelligent animals that like to exercise even during the winter. Ideally, your rabbit should have room to run, jump, and freely explore its surroundings, such as a garden, patio, or terrace.Remember to enrich his cage to stimulate his mind and give him the opportunity to develop his cognitive skills. In addition, you can teach your rabbit a good variety of basic tricks and commands, enjoying his company while boosting his intelligence.
- Preventive medicine: in addition to maintaining excellent hygiene in its cage and environment, your rabbit will need to be vaccinated and see a specialized veterinarian every six months to check its health. An excellent idea is to take your rodent to the veterinarian before winter arrives, to provide him with all the necessary preventive care to protect him from the cold.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.