Don't become a bunny boiler

I have two young littermate rabbits. As they spend time outside, I would like to know if rabbits are at risk at high temperatures. What are the problems and how are they prevented?

- DR DAVID GRANT

With warm weather, rabbits are at risk of potentially fatal conditions. The most obvious perhaps is heat stroke, with many warnings not to leave any pet in the sun. Rabbits are generally comfortable at temperatures between 10-20°C. Problems arise at temperatures above 25°C and this can very easily happen in direct sunlight if the rabbit is contained.

The main signs are rapid, often open-mouth breathing, drooling, weakness and collapse, often with little warning. To prevent heat stroke, keep rabbits indoors in the shade in hot weather, with good ventilation. Fresh, cool water should be available at all times in multiple bowls, while maintaining room temperatures below 23°C.

A problem that often arises in warm weather, particularly in rabbits kept in outdoor runs, is flystrike (cutaneous myiasis). This is a particularly unpleasant and frequently fatal condition.