Winter Risks for RabbitsIt is important that rabbit guardians ensure that their rabbit friends are safe and warm during cold seasons. Unlike Eastern Cottontails (wild), domesticated rabbits are not as efficient at keeping themselves warm and face many risks if left without adequate heat, shelter and food. Temperature Rabbits can tolerate cooler temperatures, but not if they are housed in damp or drafty conditions. Being cold and wet can quickly make your rabbit very sick, and could be fatal. Senior rabbits can suffer from painful arthritis if exposed to cold temperatures. Ideal temperatures for domesticated is between 10C-20C. Winter Housing Domesticated rabbits should live indoors with their family year-round. As a social species, they thrive on interactions and affection from their caretakers. Living indoors is also vital in avoiding many life threatening risks such as: predators, parasites, weather/temperature, and overlooked health issues. Rabbits who live in outdoor hutches during the winter often lack adequate shelter, exercise and stimulus. Predators may be more desperate for food may take advantage of wooden hutches, which can be broken into with a bit of determination.
Avoid the use of heat lamps and space heats, as there is significant risk of burns or fires. Heated pet mats should also be used with caution as they are still capable of causing burns. Stray Rabbits
If you see a domesticated rabbit running freely, contact your local animal control or rabbit rescue right away - especially during winter months. It is critical to get help for a stray rabbit as quickly as possible. Stray rabbits are exposed to the elements, and have limited or no sources of food (snow covered). Need some tips on how to catch a stray rabbit? Read our page about stray rabbits. Health Risks All health issues should be taken very seriously, and you should immediately consult your rabbit savvy veterinarian at the first sign of any symptoms. Most of these health issues can be avoided by keeping your rabbits in your home. Frostbite occurs in the presence of sub-freezing temperatures, moisture and drafts. Rabbits are most prone to developing frostbite on their ears and on their feet. Frostbite can cause damage to skin, tissues, muscle and even bones. Severe frostbite can lead to infection and nerve damage. Tissue affected by superficial frostbite can be bright red, white or pale in colour. Severe frostbite affects all layers of the skin and tissue can be white or blue/grey in colour. The tissue may become necrotic, turn black, and fall off. Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature is below normal. Rabbits will become lethargic and legs and ears may feel cool to the touch and look pale. If left untreated, the rabbit could fall into a coma as the heartbeat becomes weak and pass away. Dehydration water can quickly freeze in the winter which may leave your rabbit without anything to drink. Signs of dehydration include thick saliva, crusty eyes, decreased appetite, small amounts of dark coloured urine and hard/dry droppings. Rabbits who do not have water for more than 24 hours can pass away due to organ failure. Ensuring your rabbit has water at all times is very important, as it helps with blood flow, organ function, digestion, and flushes excess calcium. Heart Problems like heart attacks have an increased risk in colder temperatures. The heart works harder to try to keep your rabbit warm, which leads to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Other health factors may increase stress on the heart. Obesity can occur when a rabbit isn't given enough space to exercise (living in a hutch). Joint issues such as arthritis can become more painful in colder temperatures. Small living spaces (hutch) may cause your rabbit to develop joint issues, hock sores or loss in muscle due to inability to move around and exercise. GI Issues such as gas or stasis may increase for a variety of reasons such as: limited daily interactions/less chance of noticing early symptoms, dehydration, lack of proper nutrition, pain from cold or cold related health issue, and limited or no exercise. Comments are closed.
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