Rabbits are one of the most popular pets in the world, for a good reason! They are adorable and playful and make great companions. However, one question many people have about rabbits is whether they like Rain. Are these furry little creatures comfortable with the rainy season?
In this blog post, we will take a look at what research says, and we will explore the topic of whether rabbits like Rain or not and provide some tips on how to keep your rabbit safe during a storm.
Do Rabbits Like Rain?
The answer to this widely asked question is Yes, Rabbits generally like Rain. It is a refreshing season for both bunnies and humans, and when it comes to rabbits, they love to play and run around.
However, it is better to observe your pet rabbit and its behavior. if your pet rabbit is playful and active, it will surely love the Rain, but if it has a laid-back personality, you should not force your furry pal to stay out in the storm.
Reasons why Rabbits like Rain:
Rabbits enjoy Rain for a variety of reasons. We have listed some of them to understand your furry pal’s liking for the rainy season.
Opportunity to Cool Down:
Rain allows rabbits to cool down from the hot sun, which can be uncomfortable depending on their breed and fur type.
Source of Entertainment:
It also provides a great source of entertainment as rabbits love to splash around in puddles and explore new smells and sensations that come with the Rain.
A Source to Relief Stress:
Rain season also provides stress relief when rabbits are stuck inside due to bad weather. Rabbits may also feel more secure in their surroundings when it rains because the sound is soothing and comforting.
Great Variety of Plants:
Rain also gives rabbits access to a greater variety of plants, grasses, and other edible items unavailable during dry seasons. In addition, the Rain helps wash away dust and dirt that might accumulate on these items, making them tastier.
Additionally, some plants have health benefits when eaten by rabbits, such as vitamins A & C, which help improve their immune system and give them energy for longer periods than just hay alone.
A Way to keep themself Active:
Rainy days also provide wild rabbits with much-needed exercise as they love hopping onto logs or rocks while listening to the rainfall.
This is the perfect way to help keep bunnies mentally and physically healthy by increasing muscle strength in their hind legs while providing mental stimulation through interactive activities.
Protection from Direct Sunlight:
Finally, the rainy season can help bunnies stay out of direct sunlight, which is essential if they are prone to overheating issues or if your bunny has fair-colored fur that prolonged UV rays can easily damage.
What Health Issues Can Happen to a Rabbit if It Stays Out in Heavy Rain?
Although rabbits are designed for colder weather, they can develop sensitivity to extreme weather conditions and will quickly start to seek shelter from it.
That is why they need to stay safe from cold and rainy conditions.
Here are some of the risks rabbits faces when they get wet in the Rain for too long,
Hypothermia:
When rabbits are exposed to cold and high temperatures for too long, they can suffer from hypothermia. This happens when the body temperature drops below 95°F and can lead to chronic stress.
The main danger that rabbits suffer from is stress caused by hypothermia causes many problems like low blood pressure, weakness, injuries, and confusion.
Fur Damage:
A rabbit’s fur is delicate and can damage when exposed to frequent Rain. Wet fur can also cause skin irritations or infections if left untreated and make a rabbit sick.
Respiratory Infections:
Excessive moisture in the air can increase a rabbit’s risk of developing respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis. These conditions can be severe and affect a rabbit’s immune system.
Dietary Imbalances:
Too much moisture in their diet can cause digestive upsets and contribute to nutritional deficiencies in rabbits. In addition, some vitamins cannot be adequately absorbed when too much water is involved.
If your bunny has a compromised immune system or has certain health conditions, you should avoid letting it play outdoors when it rains.
Insect Bites:
While most insect bites won’t cause significant harm, some insects, such as mosquitoes, carry diseases that could affect your rabbit’s health if left untreated.
Upset Stomachs:
Overeating on damp grasses during rainy periods might lead to an upset stomach due to indigestion caused by bacteria in moist plants found outdoors during this season.
FAQs about Rabbits in Rainy Season:
Can Rabbits Die From Rain?
No, rabbits do not die in the Rain. However, if rabbits stay in cold environments or get wet for too long, they can undoubtedly die from hypothermia.
A wet bunny will struggle to maintain its body temperature of 101 to 103 degrees F (38.3 to 39.4 C) and eventually become hypothermic and die.
What is the Ideal Temperature for Rabbits?
Like most animals, rabbits are warm-blooded too. They might seem comfortable outside, but temperature and weather changes can significantly impact these furry creatures.
Healthy rabbits prefer an ideal environmental temperature between 65-70 Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, this means they start finding shelter in wet and cold temperatures.
How to Stop a Rabbit’s Coat From Shredding?
To stop your rabbit’s fur coat from shedding, use a soft brush specifically designed to brush the rabbit’s fur. Rabbit fur is delicate, protecting these small animals from falling Rain. So, please do not use harsh brushes as they might damage both rabbit’s skin and fur.
Are Human Hair and Rabbit Fur Same?
No rabbit fur is undoubtedly different, with their medulla, the central column of the hair cells providing immunity against harsh temperatures. In rabbits, the medulla is filled with air-filled cells, which helps keep the rabbit warm and its skin dry in a wet environment.
How Fur Keep Rabbits Warm in Winter?
Rabbit fur coats are made up of two layers, an outer layer of short, soft guard hairs and an inner layer of dense undercoat. The guard hairs protect from the elements, while the undercoat is designed to insulate their bodies and keep them warm when temperatures drop.
The outer layer has water-repelling qualities and protects the rabbit’s skin from harm and cold water. This layer also reflects heat to minimize temperature fluctuation and helps keep the rabbit’s body at optimal temperature.
The second layer is the undercoat, which is much more densely packed than the upper coat, helping trap air close to the rabbit’s body and providing superior insulation from cold weather. This inner layer of fur keeps the main body of the rabbit warm even when temperatures dip below freezing.
By keeping themselves protected from wet weather conditions with their double-layered coats, they can stay warm and safe during periods when other animals would suffer hypothermia if exposed too long to cold and wet conditions.
How to Treat Hypothermia in Rabbits?
Hypothermia happens when a rabbit’s temperature falls below the normal range of 38 to 40 Celsius. To treat this condition, you need to warm your bunny quickly. First, wrap your furry baby in a warm, thick towel and take them to the vet to keep their body temperature regular.
How to Keep Rabbits Warm in Winter?
It is entirely natural for a domestic rabbit to be excited when the temperature falls. However, as their owner, you should prioritize your rabbit’s safety.
For this, provide your bunny with a draught-free, warm, and dry shelter to save them from getting wet in the Rain.
What Are the Effects of Heavy Rain and Thunderstorm on Rabbits?
Rain and thunderstorm create loud noises for prey animals like rabbits. Both domestic and wild rabbits are sensitive to such noises, which can stimulate a rabbit’s adrenal glands to release epinephrine, which increases blood pressure and heart rate, creating health problems and strokes.
Secondly, a wet rabbit may develop severely matted fur, leading to infections and possible death.
How Do You Care for a Rabbit Out in the Rain for Too Long?
It is usual for domestic rabbits to be out and surprised by an unexpected downpour. However, as an owner, you should immediately retrieve your wet rabbit and bring them to a warm shelter. Check that no rainwater gets in your rabbit’s ear auricles so they don’t develop otitis.
Another thing you should be careful of is to make sure your rabbit’s fur coat is dry, or else it will be hard for your rabbit to retain the body heat effectively.
How to Cool Pet Rabbits in Hot Weather?
You can cool your bunny in hot weather in multiple ways. Such as
- By putting your bunny’s cage in a dense cool room.
- Provide iced water to your rabbit in a water bottle.
- Provide your rabbit with cold vegetables to help it stay relaxed and happy.
- Lastly, if you have a healthy rabbit and have provided a warm cage, you can let it play in the Rain for a few moments to cool its body temperature.
Are Young Rabbits Immune to Infections?
Young rabbits with a good diet and active lifestyle are immune to infections. However, you should avoid letting your young fur ball from playing outside in the Rain. Instead, you should immediately retrieve and dry it off if it gets wet to prevent hyperthermia.
What Are the Symptoms of Hyperthermia in Rabbits?
A rabbit that has hyperthermia will have symptoms such as,
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Increased Respiratory Rate
- Seizures
- Anorexia
- High Blood Pressure
What to Feed a Sick Rabbit?
If your rabbit has fallen sick, you can feed it with plenty of fresh and green vegetables. However, the best way to treat it is to provide enough to drink and eat so they can retreat to their healthy condition.
If it is unable to eat, you can use a syringe to make them drink water. However, if their condition worsens, you should immediately take your bunny to a vet.
Parting Thoughts:
Rabbits are lovely creatures, and their cute little furry bodies require more attention and care. Rain can be both fun and dangerous for your bunny.
A wet rabbit can get in trouble if they stay in the Rain for too long. This is because their bodies are not designed to remain wet for too long and can develop certain infections if not treated immediately.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn about your furry friend’s likes and dislikes regarding wet and cold weather.
References:
- Hyperthermia | rabbits | Vetlexicon Lapis from Vetlexicon | Definitive Veterinary Intelligence
- Can Rabbits Go Out In The Rain? · Hobby Farm Heaven
- How to keep rabbits warm in winter (myanimals.com)
- temperature – Does fur protect a rabbit from heat or make it hotter? – Pets Stack Exchange
- Do Rabbits Like Rain? – Pets Truth