I feel like they’re going to die :(

[Thisnamechanger]

I just don’t know what to do. My house bunnies are miserable. At least, the short hair seems to be coping reasonably well but the bigger fluffier one is in a horrible state. All he does is lie down flat and pant (not actually mouth breathing).

They ignore frozen bottles, ignore the heat pad, avoid the wet cloth I’ve put down, avoid the fan, freak out if I wet their ears. I’ve just blown £300 on an aircon unit and it’s a bit cooler now but I don’t think I should leave it on at work. They insist on laying on top of each other all the time which only makes them hotter I should think.

Any more ideas? I’m so frightened he’s going to die

Oh gosh no idea. Are they outside. Isn't there a small furries board in here?

Oooh maybe, I just headed straight for the pets one. Any ideas very very welcome. Poor bunny.
Yes they live in my house, they have a large pen and roam when I'm home. He's a rescue bunny so he's very very nervous and easily upset.

Oh bless. No advice sorry. Our downstairs loo is the coolest place in our house.

I have a terrible time keeping ours cool. They live outside & I gave their hutch & run draped with things to shade them. The smallest patch of sunlight & they go & lie in it. They do like having their ears wiped with cold water though. Give yourself lots of cool water & just keep them in the coolest room, I guess.

Can you clip some of their coats off? Or would that be too distressing for them? It does sound as if you're doing all you can. Otherwise phone your vet and see if they can offer some advice.

Can you clip some of their coats off? Or would that be too distressing for them

I was wondering this too. The trouble is because he is a rescue he is incredibly nervous. So much so that even my vet has said don't bring him in unless it's essential. She even made a note on his file saying he was "exceptionally nervous". The vets stresses him so much. Even me trimming his claws at home is a complete ordeal. He lies down trembling for about 2 hours afterwards. Poor darling. He's so so sweet but very very frightened of everything.

Here’s what I would do - confine him to the smallest room of the house that has a window for the air conditioner. He’ll be grumpy about being kept in, but it’s better than the alternative. It’ll also stop him bounding around too much and overheating. Air conditioning works best in a smaller room. If you’re trying to cool the whole house it just won’t work as well. Get a thermometer so you can actually see how hot it is. Keep the curtains/blinds closed in that room so he’s not getting direct sunlight. Have the air conditioning on all evening when you get home from work, and turn it on in the morning for an hour while you get ready for work. Make sure all his favourite toys/food/bedding etc is in there so he can feel safe. I hope that helps :)

Oh the poor thing. You are doing everything you can.

I am making the horse frozen ice pops with carrots apples and strawberries frozen in diluted apple juice. He is confined to his stable in a very hot airless barn cos he is a twat.

Do not shave them . Studies show that their coats actually keep them cooler in hot weather. Shaving them means they will be hotter . Please don't shave off their fur coats as they act as a natural cooling system in hot weather . Panting is also a way tgatvthr rabbits keep themselves cool

Thanks Geordie that's good to know. I bloody love MN!

I don't have rabbit knowledge but our guinea-pigs are very heat sensitive.
At the moment we're putting them out in their runs (I have 2 sows+ a neutered boar but they live in 2 separate areas, not bonded).
We have 2 rabbit runs, I peg covers over for shade , they have houses inside. Even if I'm boiling in the car , they are nice and cool under the trees.
Their pighouse (old playhouse) has two windows that can be removed , lined inside with bars /chicken wire and flymesh , but we don't leave these open at night.
We give them cucumber or something like romaine rinsed in water (they very rarely drink but enjoy the veg)
I know rabbits can't eat as much veg as pigs and yours are house rabbits , but do they use a run? Even early am or late evening?

What about ceramic floor tiles, would they sit on them maybe in a huge cardboard box for security ?

What kind of flooring are they on? If it is carpet can you cover it with lino or something to keep it cooler. Keep all curtains shut. Run the A/C in the mornings and as soon as you get in but I'm not sure why you can't have it on while you are out. Put ice cubes in their drinking bottle/water dish.

As with dogs this principle applies to all long haired animals