Summer Care

samdallas92
Apr 16
2 min read

Updated: Jun 14

Summer is here and unfortunately; rats are prone to heatstroke. Their inability to sweat effectively is a major contributing factor.

Here's a breakdown:

Limited Sweating: Unlike humans and some other animals, rats have very few sweat glands, located only on the pads of their paws. This small amount of sweat is not sufficient for significant cooling of their entire body.
No Panting: Rats also do not pant like dogs to dissipate heat through evaporation from their respiratory system.
Primary Cooling Mechanism: Vasodilation in the Tail and Ears: Their primary way to regulate body temperature is through the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in their hairless tail and ears. When they are hot, these blood vessels expand, allowing more blood to flow close to the surface where heat can dissipate into the air. Conversely, in cold temperatures, the vessels constrict to conserve heat.
Inefficient Cooling in High Heat and Humidity: While vasodilation helps, it can be overwhelmed in high ambient temperatures, especially when coupled with high humidity, which reduces the effectiveness of heat dissipation. This makes it difficult for rats to lose enough heat to maintain a safe body temperature.
Risk of Heatstroke: When rats are unable to cool down adequately, their body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, leading to heatstroke. This is a serious and potentially fatal condition.

Therefore, it is CRUCIAL for rat owners to take precautions to prevent their pets from overheating, especially in warm weather. This includes:

Maintaining a cool ambient temperature: The ideal temperature range for pet rats is between 64°F to 79°F (18°C to 26°C). Temperatures above 86°F (30°C) can be dangerous.
Providing shade: If their cage is near a window, ensure they have areas where they can escape direct sunlight.
Ensuring good ventilation: Proper airflow is essential. Avoid placing their cage in stuffy or poorly ventilated areas.
Offering cooling options: Provide ceramic tiles, freezer packs or chilled water bottles (wrapped in a towel to prevent direct contact) for them to lie on. You can also offer cool treats like frozen peas or some watermelon in moderation and place a freezer pack between two small fans to blow cool air into the cage to help cool them down.
Providing plenty of fresh water: Hydration is crucial for thermoregulation so make sure you provide your rats with plenty of fresh, cool water. Even check to ensure the water in the bottles isn't warm and if it is, replace it with fresh, cool water.

Recognizing the signs of heatstroke in rats (lethargy, weakness, rapid breathing, drooling, lying flat, and a hot body) and acting quickly to cool them down and seek veterinary attention is vital.