With summer finally here it is important to consider sun safety for our pets as well as ourselves. Sunburn is a common condition familiar to many people, but many of us overlook the fact that our pets can become sunburnt as well, and sun protection is vital for them too. 

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Are rabbits at risk of sunburn?

Yes they are! If a rabbit is exposed to direct sunlight they are at risk of burning. This is especially important in white or pale coated rabbits and those with pink areas of skin, however all rabbits can burn in the sun. 

What are the health risks if a rabbit gets sunburnt?

Sunburn is a serious condition in rabbits as it is in people. If a rabbit is sunburnt it is likely to be in pain and have damaged skin which will take time to heal. Like with people, sunburn can increase the chance of certain skin cancers as well. Squamous cell carcinoma is a particularly aggressive cancer which can be seen more commonly in white rabbits, with over exposure to sunlight being a risk factor for this.

Signs of sunburn in a rabbit include:

  • Redness to the skin
  • Flaking or crusting skin
  • Blisters to the skin
  • Increased licking or scratching at an area after being in the sun

If you suspect your rabbit is sunburnt it is important that you get them examined by a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible to ensure they receive appropriate treatment. In the meantime, it is important to remove your rabbit from any exposure to sunlight and consider applying a cold compress to the area, which can be soothing and take the heat out of the burn.

How do you prevent sunburn in rabbits?

The best way to prevent sunburn in rabbits is to keep them out of direct sunlight. This involves moving their outside run into the shade, or providing shade for the area they are in. Shade can be provided by using a tarpaulin or cover over their run, however it is important to make sure this doesn’t cause the temperature inside the run to increase as this can result in your rabbit overheating which can be very dangerous. Instead, try to position the run in the shade and use a cover as an additional shade at height whilst still allowing airflow to the run. You can check the temperature inside the run by using a room thermometer.

It is important to ensure you are providing plenty of water and your rabbit has access to fresh water at all times. The water should also be out of the sun so that your rabbit does not need to enter the sun to drink, and also to prevent the water from warming up which may make it less palatable for your rabbit.

Can I use suncream in rabbits?

Human suncream should never be used in rabbits. This is because it may be toxic for them if ingested and the chemicals and compounds it is made of may irritate their skin.

Pet safe suncream and sunblock is available. This can be used on areas with minimal fur cover or light fur as additional protection; including the nose, tips of the ears, and exposed areas of skin. As with any product it is advisable to test it on a very small patch of skin first and monitor the area for 24 hours before applying any more to check your pet does not have a reaction to the sunscreen. If you are concerned a reaction has occurred speak to your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.

Summary:

  • Rabbits are susceptible to sunburn
  • It is important to keep your pet rabbit out of direct sunlight and provide them with shade
  • Human suncream should not be used in pet rabbits
  • If you suspect your rabbit is sunburnt it is important to get them examined by a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible 

Further reading