Sneezing and flu symptoms such as runny eyes and nose are common in rabbits. Symptoms like this can be caused by upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, dental infections, and other diseases that should be checked by a veterinarian. If your rabbit is sneezing, visit the vet and provide proper treatment.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Visiting the Vet
Step 1. Observe the rabbit's condition
Before taking your rabbit to the vet, try to find out what's causing the rabbit to sneeze. By observing your rabbit's symptoms, you can better help the vet determine the problem.
- Your rabbit may have an upper respiratory infection, which causes a runny nose and eyes and sneezing. However, it can also be caused by a lower respiratory tract infection, which may be accompanied by symptoms of heavy breathing. Rabbits with lower respiratory tract infections may also puff their noses during breathing.
- Foreign bodies such as hair or food debris trapped in the nasal passages. In this case, the symptoms that accompany sneezing may not be much.
- Dental problems, such as an infection that extends to the nose can cause sneezing. It can also cause other flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, and is most likely to be experienced by older rabbits.
- Again, you'll need to get official results from your vet. However, you can prepare yourself with observations and information about symptoms in rabbits to help.
Step 2. Find a veterinarian with experience with rabbits
Not all vets can treat rabbits. Some of them may not have enough experience to handle your pet properly. Ask your vet for referrals from fellow rabbit keepers in your area. Also, read the doctor's service reviews before making an appointment.
Step 3. Take the rabbit to the vet
Take the rabbit to the vet in a well-ventilated pet bag or box. Also, keep water in the pet's bag in case your rabbit needs a drink. Many pet bags today are equipped with a place to eat and drink in them. However, the most important thing in choosing a pet bag is its safety. So find a bag that fits your needs before taking your rabbit to the vet. You can use cube-shaped bags, tote bags, and so on. You can discuss choosing this pet bag with the pet supply store owner or with another rabbit owner over the phone if you don't already have one.
Step 4. Let the vet check the rabbit for problems
Your veterinarian may need to perform a variety of examinations, as well as a physical examination to determine the cause of the problem in your rabbit. The length of time the rabbit is examined will be determined by the type of examination that needs to be carried out by the veterinarian.
- Some vets will ask you to bring a sample of rabbit droppings for examination. This sample is usually the feces that the rabbit passes in less than 24 hours.
- The vet may need to take the rabbit's blood and take a sample. The vet may also take a sample of the discharge from the rabbit's nose for examination. This test will help determine which antibiotic is best suited to help the rabbit fight off the infection, if needed.
- Be sure to include everything related to the rabbit's cage at home, the rabbit's food, and the bedding it uses. To deal with sneezing in your rabbit you may only need to do something as simple as changing the bedding.
Part 2 of 3: Giving Medicine
Step 1. Use antibiotics or other medications as directed
If your doctor has given you antibiotics to give your rabbit, take this medication as directed and don't miss a dose. You may also be given antibiotics before the rabbit's test results are complete as a preventative measure.
- Skipping doses of antibiotics too early can help produce resistant strains of bacteria. This will make antibiotics more difficult to treat the rabbit's infectious disease later in life. So, always give antibiotics to rabbits until they run out, even if the symptoms have disappeared. Be sure to give the medicine in the right dose at the right time.
- Some antibiotics may slow down your rabbit's digestive tract. However, it's always a good idea to talk to your vet about changes in appetite or bowel movements to make sure this is a temporary reaction to the medication and not a sign of a more serious problem.
- If your rabbit has not eaten or had a bowel movement in 10-12 periods, contact the veterinarian immediately. This can be a potentially fatal emergency.
Step 2. Prepare an area for administering medicine to the rabbit
Rabbits may be difficult to prescribe medication for. Maybe because they don't like the taste or are suspicious of the ingredients. For that, you should prepare a quiet area to give medicine to the rabbit first.
- Choose a flat place such as a floor or table, or a kitchen table. Choose a table that is not too high just in case your rabbit jumps.
- Prepare all the equipment needed. Get out any syringes, pills, or other equipment you may need.
Step 3. Wrap the rabbit in a towel
To prevent your rabbit from scratching or fighting back, wrap an old towel around him. Cover the rabbit's body gently with a towel and tuck the ends on both sides of the rabbit's body to prevent it from shifting. Hug the rabbit's body with your arm and use your other hand to administer the medicine.
Step 4. Give the medicine
You may have to use a disposable syringe as most rabbit medicine is liquid. On a rabbit wrapped in a towel, place the tip of the drug-filled syringe behind its front teeth, then slowly remove the contents.
Step 5. Ask for the medicine in pill form if you have trouble giving the medicine in liquid form
Some of the medicinal pills for rabbits were shaped like rabbits so most rabbits would swallow them without hesitation. But if this doesn't work, try crushing a medicinal pill and mixing it with your rabbit's favorite food. Apart from that, you can also try mixing this medicine with liquids like water or fruit juice, etc.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Rabbits
Step 1. Spend time with the rabbit
Spending time with your rabbit can help you to more deeply identify changes in their behavior. It can also make the rabbit feel more secure because it's with you. Try to spend time with the bunny when you're relaxed and keep this pet company whenever you can.
Step 2. Keep the rabbit's nose clean
If your rabbit is still sneezing and has discharge from his nose, try using a damp cotton swab to clean it. Rabbits can only breathe through their nose. So, keeping the rabbit's nose clean and free of obstruction is very important.
Step 3. Monitor the rabbit's condition
In addition to spending quality time with your rabbit, keep an eye on it for a few weeks after the vet's examination. Medications can cause side effects. Most of the side effects of the medication should subside, but you should keep an eye on problems such as lethargy in your rabbit. You should also make sure all the symptoms in the rabbit go away after the medication is given. If not, you may need to go back to the vet to have your rabbit checked.
Step 4. Keep the rabbit cage clean
Be sure to remove the litter from the rabbit's cage every day. The build-up of bacteria can be very harmful to the health of rabbits. You can use a litter box like a cat's as a rabbit's defecation area. In addition to cleaning the rabbit's litter, change the bedding every few days, and brush the entire rabbit cage with a disinfectant spray every few weeks. Take these precautions to protect your rabbit, especially when he's sick.
Tips
- If your rabbit lives outdoors, consider moving it to a quiet room in the house while it's still sick. This will help prevent the infection from spreading to other rabbits. In addition, you can easily monitor the progress of his condition.
- If you use pine or sandalwood as bedding for your rabbit, this may be the cause of his respiratory problems. This type of bedding is known to cause upper respiratory problems in rabbits and other small animals. Consider using other materials such as recycled bedding, aspen wood bedding, or other safe bedding.
Warning
- Problems with the rabbit's respiratory tract will not go away on their own. Investigating the cause will greatly help with a veterinary examination.
- Be sure to tell your rabbit what food has recently been eaten. Any food or product can be the cause of sneezing and other respiratory problems.
