Rabbits by nature are cold weather animals.

​

Hypothermia is not likely to occur if a rabbit is housed outdoors and is acclimated to the temperature and has adequate shelter. However, an abnormally low body temperature (less than 100 degrees F) is very dangerous. This may occur if a rabbit is suddenly housed outdoors during the winter, if the rabbit does not have adequate shelter or if it gets wet.

​

What is hypothermia? Hypothermia occurs when your rabbit’s body heat drops to extremely low levels, usually after having wet fur in cold, windy weather. Body temperature drops below 101*F (below 100 is *serious!).

​

Symptoms of hypothermia: distress such as shock, lack of movement, and possible shivering.

​

Prevention: outside hutches and runs should be well-protected from snow, frost and rain.

Offer a pile of straw for your furry friend to burrow into during cold weather, and make sure his water is fresh / not frozen (check twice a day).   Water is necessary to aid in the adequate digestion of feed to provide the energy necessary to resist the stress of cold weather.

​

Hypothermia is an emergency and you should phone your vet right away.