How To Tell If A Rabbit Has A Fever
Introduction
Rabbits are super sensitive to temperature changes and can get dangerously ill if their fever goes untreated. Temperature is a good indicator of a rabbit’s health, so it’s important to keep track of your bunny’s body temperature. Luckily, checking for a fever is simple and you can do it yourself at home. Here are a few easy ways to tell if your little buddy is running too hot or not.
The normal body temperature of a rabbit is between 99.5-101 F, with anything over 101 considered a fever.
If you notice that your rabbit’s temperature is higher than normal, it could be a sign of illness. The normal body temperature of a rabbit is between 99.5-101 F, with anything over 101 considered a fever. If you suspect that your bunny has a fever, take him to the vet right away—he or she will be able to give you medication and advice on how to care for your pet until he feels better.
While there are many reasons why a rabbit can get a fever (stress, infection or virus), some symptoms may also include:
- Excessive panting
- Increased appetite and thirst
- A noticeable change in behavior
If your rabbit has a fever you may notice him huddled in a corner somewhere.
If your rabbit has a fever, you may notice him huddled in a corner somewhere. This is normal for rabbits because they prefer to be warmer than cooler. However, if this behavior is accompanied by other signs of illness, it’s cause for concern.
Rabbits can have “hot spots” where they are warmer than other places on the body.
While it is normal for rabbits to have a slightly higher body temperature than other animals, hot spots and swelling — or the formation of fluid-filled cysts — are not necessarily signs of a fever.
Hot spots on your rabbit can be caused by anything from cancer to stress, so if you notice any kind of abnormality, go straight to the vet.
Again, the most accurate way to tell if your rabbit has a fever is by checking his rectal temperature.
The most accurate way to tell if your rabbit has a fever is by checking his rectal temperature. Start by getting a thermometer that is designed for small animals, like the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer. Next, make sure it is clean and sanitized. Put a bit of Vaseline on the tip of the thermometer before inserting it gently into his rectum for at least one minute to obtain an accurate reading. Remove it from his body and read it!
Another method for taking your rabbit’s temperature is to use an ear thermometer.
A second method for checking a rabbit’s temperature is to use an ear thermometer. This method is not only less stressful for the rabbit, but it also gives you a more accurate reading.
If you are using an ear thermometer, it’s important to know that they are designed specifically for rabbits over 3 months old. They are different than human ear thermometers and cannot be used on humans or dogs because they do not have the same range of temperature readings as those other species. The other thing to know about using this type of thermometer with your rabbit is that they will need some time to get used to having it near their face—so start slowly!
If your rabbit does not have a fever, but he’s been hiding, it may be because he’s stressed out.
If your rabbit does not have a fever, but he’s been hiding, it may be because he’s stressed out. Stress can affect rabbits in a number of ways, including hiding. Some rabbits are more prone to stress than others, and stress can be caused by a number of things—including changes in the weather or even something as simple as the time of day.
In order to help you identify when your rabbit is stressed, we’ve provided some tips below for recognizing signs that your bunny is feeling out of sorts:
- He’s been sleeping more than usual
- His fur looks matted or dirty (if this is normal for him)
You can take your rabbit’s temperature to find out whether he has a fever or not.
The most accurate way to tell if your rabbit has a fever is by checking his rectal temperature, but it’s also possible to check him for other signs and symptoms of illness. Normal body temperature varies from 99.5-101 F (37.5-38.6 C) in rabbits.
If you don’t have a thermometer, there are other ways to tell if your rabbit is overheated:
- His nose might be warm or hot to the touch;
- He may pant excessively; or
- His ears may be laid back against his head instead of standing straight up as usual
Conclusion
While your rabbit’s normal temperature will vary a bit depending on the age and breed, most healthy rabbits have a body temperature of roughly 101 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. If your rabbit has a fever, this could be a sign of some serious ailments—so monitor your little bun carefully, and get him checked out if you notice any symptoms!