Dealing with a Sneezing Rabbit: Quick Tips & Care

How to Treat a Rabbit's Runny Nose

1. Ensure Proper Warmth Measures

When a rabbit catches a cold, it's crucial for the owner to take immediate steps to keep the rabbit warm. This includes placing a blanket inside the rabbit's cage. If there's a strong wind around the rabbit's shelter, protective measures should be taken, such as using a tarp to cover the shelter or cage. During winter, a heating lamp can be placed in the shelter to keep the rabbit cozy. Additionally, a rabbit's immune system weakens during a cold, making it more susceptible to infections. Therefore, the owner should maintain a clean and sanitized environment, frequently disinfecting to prevent the growth of bacteria or parasites.

2. Administer Antibiotic Nasal Drops

If a rabbit has a runny nose along with nasal congestion, you can use amoxicillin injections to gently administer nasal drops to relieve the congestion. If the rabbit shows additional cold symptoms like sneezing or coughing, you can give it a dose of banlangen granules mixed with warm water. Administer this mixture twice a day, using a quarter of a packet each time. It's also important to monitor the rabbit's temperature; if it exceeds 39.5°C, the rabbit is likely feverish, and it should be taken to a veterinarian promptly.

3. Use Rabbit Eye Drops

If the rabbit is constantly shedding tears, you can clean around its eyes using a cotton swab or medical cotton ball soaked in saline solution. After cleaning, apply rabbit eye drops to treat the condition. This should be done 23 times a day. Since the rabbit's eyes may be sensitive to light, try to avoid direct sunlight to prevent further irritation.

4. Enhance Nutritional Support

During the rabbit's illness, it's essential to provide adequate nutrition to aid in its recovery. In addition to feeding hay, offer a small amount of fresh grass, or vegetables like carrots and broccoli. However, it's important to dry the vegetables before feeding them to prevent diarrhea.

Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: Runny noses in rabbits are often caused by colds. If your rabbit is suffering from a runny nose, consider whether it might have caught a chill or a cold.