Rabbit Snorts Noisily: Possible Causes Explained
1. Cold and Flu: When the weather turns cold or the air conditioning in the room is set too low during the summer, and the owner fails to provide adequate warmth for the rabbit, the animal may catch a cold, resulting in sneezing and a runny nose. To address this, the owner should first examine the rabbit's nostrils for any clear discharge. If present, a small dose of children's cold medicine can be administered. If there is no improvement, it is advisable for the owner to take the rabbit to a veterinary clinic for professional treatment.
2. Powder in Rabbit Food: If the rabbit's food contains a significant amount of powder, the animal may sneeze during meals due to inhalation of the powder. This type of sneezing is usually harmless and should stop quickly. To prevent this, the owner should remove the powder before feeding the rabbit, ensuring that the rabbit's nostrils remain clear.
3. Allergens: Just like humans, rabbits can be allergic to certain substances, such as pollen, bedding materials, dust mites in the environment, and fragrant wood shavings. These can trigger sneezing in rabbits. Therefore, when the rabbit's nostrils make a "puffing" sound, the owner should be vigilant about potential allergens in the rabbit's surroundings. If any are found, they should be removed promptly, and the rabbit should be placed in a wellventilated area to recover naturally.
4. Hay Fever: If the rabbit's sneezing is accompanied by milky or yellowish mucus, it is likely that the rabbit has developed hay fever. In this case, the owner can prepare a solution of板蓝根 or 双黄连 granules in hot water, let it cool, and encourage the rabbit to drink it. If the rabbit's symptoms persist after a week, it is recommended that the owner take the rabbit to a veterinary clinic for further treatment.
5. Odor Sensitivity: Rabbits have a highly sensitive sense of smell, and their living space (the hutch) is often quite confined. If the owner fails to clean up the rabbit's waste promptly, the rabbit may sneeze upon detecting these odors. Therefore, it is crucial for the owner to regularly clean the living area and maintain a clean and hygienic hutch. Note: The hutch should be placed in a wellventilated, dry area of the room.
This article has provided an overview of what to do when a rabbit's nostrils make a "puffing" sound. Remember: If the rabbit continues to sneeze persistently, it is advisable for the owner to take the rabbit to a veterinary clinic for a thorough examination to rule out other potential health issues.
