The Rabbit Welfare Association  issued a warning to all rabbit owners to be extra vigilant during the heat wave. Many rabbits throughout the country may have already died as a result of soaring temperatures, but there are simple steps you can take to ensure that you pet rabbit remains comfortable and well.

Rabbits kept in hutches should be checked at least 3 times a day for evidence of discomfort or illness. Make sure they have plenty of fresh cool water at all times and position hutches and runs in the coolest, shadiest parts of the garden, well out of direct sunlight. To lower the temperature in the hutch, freeze house bricks, or plastic bottles half-filled with water, wrapped in a towel to prevent burning, and place in the hutch. Use sun umbrellas to provide shade in the run, and make sure your rabbit has access to an area where he can lie on cool earth. Ensure that the hutch is well ventilated with a secure wire mesh front to prevent the rabbit escaping, yet providing a safe area to hide if startled. A hand-held plant spray bottle can be filled with cool – but not cold – water, and used to gently spray their ears and stomach if they appear in distress.

Sheds used to keep rabbits in should be kept cool by way of a water sprinkler on the roof, or by regular hosing down as often as possible, in addition to the points mentioned above.

*If your rabbit is showing signs of distress, drape him in a wet tea-towel and take him straight to the vet.*