Are Hopping Rabbits Sniffles a Sign of Cold?
Why Does a Rabbit Sneeze?
1. Choking on Food
The most common reason a rabbit sneezes is due to choking on food. It's not uncommon for rabbit food to contain some powder, and if the owner fails to remove it before feeding, the rabbit might inhale it while eating. Moreover, if the rabbit scampers around and gets into dusty areas like under beds or in corners, it can inhale a lot of dust and powder, leading to persistent coughing and sneezing. If your rabbit sneezes due to choking, simply clean its nose and ensure it doesn't return to dusty places.
2. Respiratory Infection
If there's little to no powder in the rabbit food and the environment is free of dust, yet your rabbit continues to cough and sneeze, it's time to inspect its nose and eyes. If you notice symptoms like tears or mucus, your rabbit might be suffering from an upper respiratory infection, akin to a cold. In such cases, it's advisable to take your rabbit to a vet for a proper checkup and treatment as soon as possible.
3. Allergic Reaction
Apart from the above scenarios, rabbits may sneeze due to allergens in their living environment. If this is the case, it's crucial to identify and eliminate the allergen. You might consider removing plants around the rabbit's enclosure and ensuring good ventilation. Although initial allergic reactions may not seem severe, they can escalate into respiratory issues if left untreated. It's essential to promptly remove allergens to prevent further harm to your furry friend.
Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips:
If a rabbit sneezes due to allergies or dust inhalation, no medication is typically needed. Simply cleaning the rabbit and ensuring good ventilation should suffice. However, if the sneezing is caused by an upper respiratory infection, it's best to take your rabbit to the vet for treatment or administer rabbitspecific medication. If that's not available, you can use a herbal remedy like Isatis root. During this time, make sure your rabbit stays hydrated by drinking warm water to aid in detoxification.
