Warmth

Warmth issues and how to handle them.

Rabbits And Temperature

Normal rabbit body temperature ranges from 101°F to 103°F. Maintaining a healthy temperature is important because rabbits can suffer easily from heat stroke if they are allowed to get too hot, hypothermia if they are allowed to get too cold. A temperature above 104°F can indicate stress, anxiety, heat stroke, or early signs of a fever that may require veterinary attention. A temperature below 100°F is a sign that your rabbit is entering into a state of hypothermia. This is typically accompanied by listlessness, lethargy, grinding teeth, decreased responsiveness- all of these are signs that your rabbit's body is shutting down and they need to be warmed immediately. As such, monitoring your rabbit's temperature is very important.

How To Take Your Rabbit's Temperature

What to Use

Thermometer

First you will need a thermometer. We recommend that you do not use a glass thermometer, as these can break and be dangerous should your rabbit squirm or kick while the thermometer is inserted. Instead, we recommend a digital thermometer with a flexible tip. These will insert and exit more easily and are generally more safe and gentle during temperature readings.

Petroleum Jelly

You will also need to have some petroleum jelly on hand. This is really necessary to help lubricate the tip of the thermometer to make inserting the thermometer easier- for both you and your rabbit. Some brands include Vaseline and KY.

How to Do It

Get your supplies.
Get your rabbit.
Sit in a chair.
Cradle your rabbit belly-up in one of your arms, leaving your dominant hand free. Rest their bottom end in your lap. If you have a squirmy rabbit, it will be best to have another person to help you.
Locate your rabbit's genital area.
Use your thumb and forefinger to gently fold back your rabbit's hair and skin near their genital area to expose the anus. The anus is the opening closest to the base of the tail.
When you find the anus, use your thumb and forefinger on either side to very gently squeeze. This will open the anus slightly.
Grab your thermometer.
Lubricate the tip of your thermometer lightly with petroleum jelly.
Gently insert the tip of the thermometer into the anus just until the silver part of the tip disappears.
Push the "on" button on your thermometer.
When the temperature registers, remove the thermometer gently.
All done!

Though by no means an absolute determinant of temperature, feeling your rabbit's ears can be a quick and easy way to gauge your rabbit's general temperature. Rabbit's regulate their body temperature through their ears. As their body temperature rises, the blood vessels in their ears expand, thus allowing more blood to flow through the ears. The air then cools the blood, which circulates back through the rabbit and cools their body temperature. So, if your rabbit's ears are very hot, it could be a sign that air temperatures are too high; if they are very cold, it could be a sign that air temperatures are too low. Please keep in mind, though, that the only way to know for sure is to take an accurate temperature reading using a thermometer.

Precautions and Tips

If your rabbit's temperature registers unusually low, let your rabbit hop around for a few minutes and then try to take their temperature again. It is possible that the thermometer hit a dropping in the anus, in which case the temperature would not register properly.
Keep in mind that a temperature below 100°F indicates an emergency situation. You must warm your rabbit and contact your vet immediately. A low temperature that is allowed to continue can lead to shock.

Why Warmth Issues And Your Disabled Rabbit?

When it comes to temperature, disabled rabbits often have trouble with the cold. This is because many disabled rabbits have trouble regulating and maintaining their body heat against cooler temperatures. The most common causes include:

Loss of muscle mass due to paralysis
Weakness of muscle mass due to aging
Hair loss due to urine scald
Weakened immune system due to illness or disease

Thus, it is very important to monitor your rabbit's temperature and help your rabbit keep warm.

How Do You Aid A Rabbit Having Warmth Issues?

By helping them stay warm of course! There are many products on the market that can help you provide your disabled rabbit with warm spots around their pen. Here are a few options:

*When using any heating method, especially electric heating pads, always be sure to monitor your rabbit for overheating or burns.

1. SnuggleSafe

The SnuggleSafe is a microwaveable pet-safe heating pad. It contains no wires and comes with a soft cover that makes it perfect for snuggling with. Just place the SnuggleSafe in your microwave for the recommended time, let it sit a minute after it's done, and then you have a warm and snuggle-able heating pad that provides you rabbit with a safe source of heat for up to 12 hours. These are great for disabled rabbits.

2. Self Warming Pet Pad

A self-warming crate pad, such as these by K&H Manufacturing, can be an extra warm bed for a disabled rabbit. These self-warming crate pads will capture your rabbit's body heat and radiate the warmth back to them. The surface is a soft microfleece and the bottom has grips so as to prevent the pad from slipping. It is easily washable, which makes it a good option for incontinent rabbits or those prone to accidents. Try adding one of these underneath your rabbit's house for a warm bed to snuggle on.

3. Heated Resting Mat for Pets

A heated resting mat, such as these by K&H Manufacturing, can be a safe electric warming option. These heated resting mats are constructed from rigid plastic for optimum durability, are easy to clean for quick daily maintenance, and are weather-proof, which may help in the case of incontinent rabbits. The power cord is even protected with a chew guard. An internal thermostat keeps the pad at a comfortable, safe warmth. You can purchase a faux fleece cover for comfort and snuggability. To avoid overheating, try placing a towel over the pad before your rabbit lays on it and always be sure to monitor the mat and your rabbit during use.

4. Heating Pad for People

A heating pad used for people, such as these by Sunbeam, can be a nice warming alternative. These electric heating pads are designed to provide quick, consistent heat. They can be used for longer periods of time and have adjustable heat settings. They contain a machine washable cover, though are not meant to get wet or heavily soiled. We recommend using one of these on a low heat setting and then layering bedding on top of the pad. This helps avoid overheating and also disperses the heat to a larger area. Always be sure to monitor the pad and your rabbit during use.

5. Mini Heater

A small space heater can be very helpful during colder months. Heat up a small room to a comfortable temperature to help keep your disabled rabbit warm. Be careful not to point the heater directly towards your rabbit, and always monitor the heater and your rabbit during use.

6. Water Bottle

A quick and easy option for warming your disabled rabbit is a water bottle filled with very warm (not hot) water. Just wrap the bottle in a towel and lay it in your rabbit's pen to snuggle with.

7. Fleece Blanket

Don't forget to add a soft fleece blanket for your rabbit to snuggle with for warmth. These blankets hold heat very well and are even appropriate for incontinent rabbits as moisture goes right through them. Just be careful not to use a blanket that is too large- you don't want your rabbit getting tangled in it. Small fleece blankets for babies work well. Supervise with use as much as possible.

Bonnie snuggles with her fleece blankie.