Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My rabbit is sneezing. Could it be her bedding or an infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | unspayed

My Rabbit Hestia was sneezing a lot the first day I got her (she had woodshavings in her cage) but the next day she only sneezed like 3 times (through the whole day) today I changed her bedding into a blanket, she only sneezed once and then the sneezing stopped, could it be and allergy towards woodshavings or an infection?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on February 23rd, 2018

It's much more likely to be an upper respiratory infection also known as snuffles, it's very common in rabbits and will require antibiotic treatment. i recommend taking Hestia to the vet ASAP in order to get it treated.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 6th, 2018
Upper respiratory infections in rabbits are very common, this is usually a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment, sneezing is often the only sign of the disease in the beginning. you will have to take him to the vet ASAP in order to get it treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 17th, 2019
This does not sound like an emergency but it requires veterinary care.
Sneezing could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 21st, 2018
He'll have to be physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits to definitively diagnose snuffles. Antique will likely be dispensed. If you have other rabbits, keep him away from them. Make sure he continues to eat and drink.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my rabbit sneezing frequently after eating hay? Is it Snuffles?

I doubt the hay is to blame, sneezing in rabbits 99% of the time is due to an upper respiratory infection also known as "Snuffles", this condition is very common in rabbits, it is treated with oral antibiotics for 3 weeks that you will need to get from your vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My young bunny keeps sneezing often. What else can I do to help?

If your bunny has nasal discharge and sounds congested, he may have an upper respiratory infection that may improve with an antibiotic that is safe for rabbits such as baytril. If there is no nasal discharge/congestion, he may have an environmental allergy, possibly to the bedding/hay in his cage. A trial of a non shaving bedding such as Care fresh (a cotton bedding) may help. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My rabbit keeps sneezing and shaking. When should I see a vet?

I am sorry to hear about your bunny! There are many possible causes for sneezing in rabbits. We can see infections with bacteria cause sneezing in bunnies. Since only one bunny is affected the infectious cause is less likely. Irritation to the nasal passages due to things like odors/ammonia from urine in the cage or cedar shavings can occur. Foreign objects being inhaled (such as pieces of hay or shavings) can cause sneezing fits. Dental problems can also cause sneezing. Since some of these problems due require medical treatment I would recommend an examination by a vet who sees rabbits. In the meantime you can try putting a humidifier in your bunny's room if you have one and you may also bring your bunny into the bathroom while you run a steamy shower for a steam treatment for 10-15 minutes to moisten the respiratory passages.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My rabbit is sneezing with white discharge. Allergies or infection?

This is most likely due to an upper respiratory infection. If it were only allergies there would not be discharge like you are describing. I would recommend taking Zeus to the vet as soon as possible so treatment can be started for his infection. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my rabbit constantly sneezing without other cold symptoms?

Hello. Rabbits very commonly have upper respiratory infections. They can be from dental disease, specifically the roots, or sometimes there is a primary rhinitis. Rabbits make a very thick pus that doesn’t drain well, so when an infection is present inside the nose or nasal passages, it can be extremely hard to clear. Sometimes surgery or anesthetized nasal flushing is required. Since nothing has really helped before, I would recommend a thorough exam by a veterinarian along with blood work, skull radiographs, a deep nasal swab or nasal flush for cytology and culture. From there, any additional procedures can be recommended (dental trim, extraction, rhinoscopy, etc). Likely, Hangy will need a long course of medication (4-8 weeks) and may have relapses throughout his life. At home you can make things a bit easier on him by reducing airway irritants, keeping his cage clean, and supporting good dental health with high quality grass hay. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My bunny is sneezing a lot in winter. Is it an infection or normal?

Hi, and thanks for your question. Unfortunately this is not normal and this sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My rabbit is sneezing, coughing, and breathing hard. Is it serious?

It sounds like she has a respiratory infection so I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam. I don't think it's an emergency like you have to take her now but I would try to get her in tomorrow. If this is a respiratory infection she is going to need antibiotics and you can only get those from your vet. The other option is asthma/allergy but again, you would need to get medications to treat this from your vet. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share