Rabbits are obligate nasal breathers. Any obstruction within the nasal cavity may cause them to sneeze. However, sometimes, this behaviour may indicate a more serious problem, particularly underlying ailments such as respiratory infections or dental problems.
If you have a sneezing rabbit, here are some of the reasons why you need to take it to the vet:
1. Your Pet Caught a Bacterial Infection Called Snuffles.
One of the most common respiratory infections in house rabbits is snuffles. The pasteurellosis bacterium causes it.
Symptoms may mimic other medical conditions, such as dental complications, respiratory diseases, or a poorly ventilated environment. However, its most common signs are:
- Loss of appetite
- Runny eyes
- Runny nose
- Head tilting (caused by neurological damage)
- Matted fur
- Skin sores
What to do:
Certain antibiotics can fight off the bacterial infection. However, professionals should be the ones to administer safe medications to ensure safety.
2. A Foreign Object Is Stuck in Your Rabbit’s Nose.
Like most animals, domesticated bunnies are curious creatures. They enjoy sniffing around whilst exploring their surroundings.
One thing to note about rabbit noses is their sensitivity. Coming into contact with foreign material like seeds, bits of grass, and other debris may elicit a sudden sneeze.
If any of the said foreign substance is inhaled, it can become stuck in the nasal passage. This may result in a sneezing fit with or without discharge and inflammation.
What to do:
For such cases, immediate treatment should be executed because affected areas can become infected over time. Surgical operations can be performed when necessary.
Furthermore, it is important to keep its environment clean to prevent or lessen the risk of breathing in small particles.
3. Nasal Duct Blockage Is Present in Your Pet’s Nose.
Clinically known as dacryocystitis, it refers to the inflammation or infection in the nasolacrimal or tear ducts, which causes the blockage.
This condition commonly develops as a secondary health condition due to ailments like congenital eyelid deformities, rhinitis, and abnormal rabbit teeth elongation. Symptoms include:
- Excessive tearing
- Wet areas around the eyes and face
- Fur loss
- Bacterial infection on skin
- Nasal discharge
- Constant sneezing
What to do:
Upon finding the symptoms, an immediate appointment with your vet should be made to perform a complete examination. Treatment varies on which illness is the main cause of the blockage.
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4. Your Rabbit Is Experiencing an Allergic Reaction.
Carefully examine your sneezing rabbit. If its sneezes are accompanied by particular substances such as hay, pellet dust, or pollen, it may just be an allergic reaction.
Here are other products that can trigger an allergic reaction:
- Hay
- House dust
- Cigarette smoke
- Fabric softeners
- Room fresheners
- Perfume
- Products used on its litter or bedding
What to do:
- Figure out which substance triggers the allergic reaction. The bunny’s area should be free of the allergens.
- Change your bunny’s bedding regularly. At times, sneezing is caused by the ammonia build-up from its bedding. Avoid using pine or cedar shavings on its bedding.
What to Do If You Have a Sneezing Rabbit?
Sneezing in rabbits can be caused by underlying health conditions. So observe your pet and check if it shows signs of illness. Some things you should carry out include:
- Inspecting the bunny’s nose and eyes and noting if they have become “runny” or filled with mucus.
- Examining if there is a discharge of mucus accompanied by sneezing.
- Checking if there are changes to the food intake of your bunny.
If there are no other manifestations, the sneezing may only be a simple allergic reaction. However, it would be best to contact a vet and schedule a health check just to be sure.
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Tips for Preventing Sneezing in Rabbits
One way to counter illnesses is to follow preventive measures. Here are points to remember to keep your rabbits in excellent shape:
- Prepare a healthy diet. Rabbits in the wild obtain nourishment from eating grass, hay, and bark, which are very high in fibre. In such a way, they rarely acquire dental problems. The same diet should be provided to your bunny with only small amounts of commercialised rabbit food.
- Do not feed your little bunny too many pellets or commercially prepared food. Such an unhealthy diet can lead to obesity. Know that obesity contributes to several health issues.
- Provide enough exercise. It is best to give your bunny enough space and time to exercise in your home or back garden. A healthy diet and exercise are the best ways to keep your rabbit healthy.
FAQs About Sneezing Rabbits
1. Why Does My Rabbit Keep Sneezing?
Many factors can cause your rabbit to keep sneezing, such as upper respiratory infections (snuffles), allergies, and nasal irritation or obstruction.
To acquire an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, bring it to the vet for a thorough examination.
2. Can a Rabbit Live With Snuffles?
A rabbit with snuffles has a low chance of living a long life. Respiratory issues can be a death sentence to bunnies, particularly when left untreated. If you suspect that your pet caught this disease, take it to the veterinarian for appropriate treatment.
3. Can Rabbits Be Allergic to Hay?
Rabbits can be allergic to hay, but this is a rare condition. If your bunny is sneezing when exposed to hay, it could be due to the dust accumulating on it.
Try to replace it with some fresh, non-dusty hay. Observe your pet if its sneezing abates. Bring your rabbit to the animal clinic if its condition persists.
4. Should a Rabbit’s Nose Be Wet or Dry?
A rabbit’s nose should not be dry, but not excessively wet either. Normally, healthy bunnies have a moist nose. If a watery discharge is dripping from your pet’s sniffer, it is an indicator that she could be sick. Get her checked by the veterinarian immediately.
Conclusion
The reason behind sneezing in rabbits can range from innocuous to dangerous. Bunny owners must stay vigilant if their pets begin to exhibit this behaviour.
Sometimes it is a one-off thing, but it can also be a persistent condition. The latter requires immediate medical attention, as it could mean that the affected animal has an underlying disease.
Rabbits are fragile and sensitive animals, vulnerable to many ailments. They are often marketed as easy-to-care pets, but that is far from the truth. If you are thinking about bringing home a bunny, make sure that you know the big responsibilities that come along with this decision.