Most people say that rabbits cannot sweat, they do not have functional sweat glands. However, there are some who say that rabbits can and do sweat around their lips.
Earlier this year, we travelled back to our hometown, Penang, for the Chinese New Year. As we were going to be in Penang for quite a while (~ 1.5 weeks), we decided to bring Buttons and Yohji back with us. The journey by car was about 3-4 hours; they weren’t terribly impressed with the car-ride but overall, tolerated it rather well 
Mid-way through the journey, I noticed this:
Close-up of Yohji’s nose:
Only Yohji had wet upper lips. Buttons’ were dry.
So.. is that evidence of sweat? We did have the air-conditioning on, though. Or is it just Yohji’s warm breath condensing onto his upper lips? I’ve noticed that his breath is warmer compared to Buttons’.. and perhaps that’s why Buttons wasn’t ’sweating’, her breath wasn’t warm enough to produce that much condensate?
Buttons
Yohji
Hans
Bailey
I do not believe rabbits have the ability to sweat or pant like dogs, which is why heat stroke is very serious for buns. The pictures look more like the rabbit just drank out of a crock/bowl of water (but usually they wipe up rather quickly when drippy). If this is ongoing, wet nose may be a sign of illness. Keep a watch if you notice for more than a day or two…and seek medical care. Likely you are familiar with rabbit.org…House Rabbit Society…with useful info. luck to you and your adorable pair! Love your pics!
Thanks, Rahrbunny, I’m familiar with those sites and found them to be of great help when I first got Buttons
As for Yohji’s wet lips, it definitely wasn’t from drinking. He was in a carrier in the car then, and I did not leave any water bowl inside in case of spillage.
I am more inclined to think that the wetness is from condensation, too. Oh, and it hasn’t occurred again since that car-ride
Rabbits most definately do not sweat. Be very careful when a bunny has a runny nose- upper respiratory infections can be deadly.
Its definitely not URI. No snot, no matted fur on front paws, one-off occurrence while travelling
I’ve noticed wet lips like this on my rabbit before, too, and he also definitely isn’t suffering from a URI. Where did you read about rabbits sweating around their lips?
Hi Nicole. I googled about rabbits sweating, and found several sites discussing the issue. I don’t have those sites in my bookmarks anymore though.. haven’t had any other ’sweating’ incident since