Rabbits that are exposed to temperatures over 80°F are prone to heat stress. Indicators of heat stress include rapid breathing, foaming at the mouth, and/or lying in a stretched-out position. It is important that the rabbit receive care immediately and may need to be treated by a veterinarian.
In cases of heat stress, remove your rabbit from direct sun and place a cool towel over its ears. Because large amounts of blood are circulated through the ears, the cool temperature of the towel will help decrease the rabbit’s internal temperature. Do not use ice or ice water because it could drop your rabbit's body temperature too low and too quickly. If your rabbit is awake, offer fresh water. Once you have stabilized the rabbit, take it to the veterinarian immediately.
Heat stress can be avoided by providing the rabbit shade or by moving it indoors during times of high temperatures. You may want to provide plastic bottles with frozen water for the rabbit to lay against to cool off. Two-liter soda bottles work well and will last a while in high temperatures. You may provide a fan, but don't position the fan to blow directly on the rabbit.
