Why does my bunny keep sneezing?

Question

He just started sneezing a couple months ago and its like everyday he sneezes at least 4 or 5 times..not in a row though. he doesn't have any other symptoms to anything..its only sneezing. could it be lack of energy or anything? change of weather? or maybe hes allergic to his fur when it is shedding because he does shed alot. please help me. i love him so much.

Answer 1

i doubt that he is allergic to the timothy, it may be that you have pine bedding, he may be allergic to that.  

Answer 2

Your rabbit may have what is referred to as a "cold" in rabbits.  A "cold" in rabbits normally refers to a disease called pasteurella.  That is the disease most commonly associated with rabbit sneezing.  There are several strains of rabbit colds, that is why it is best for a vet to take a sample to determine what strain is causing the cold.  If the sneezing has been lasting for months, it is probably not allergies but a "cold".  The correct strain has to be identified in order for the right medicine to be determined to cure the cold.  If the wrong medicine is given, it can make the cold more resistant to antibiotics and it can be even harder to almost impossible to cure if it mutates.

Some other signs of a cold are nasal discharge (mucus) coming from the nose.  Or if the inside of the front legs look wet or matted like hair gel has been put in them.  This is because the rabbit will wipe its nose with the inside of its front leg.

Rabbit colds are transferred via direct contact normally.  So if you have any other rabbits, do no let them come into direct contact with the rabbit that has the cold.  Also, make sure you wipe your hands before handling any other rabbits to avoid spreading the disease to other rabbits.  Colds can often be difficult to cure.

If the sneezing lasts less than a week, it is likely just allergies.  If it lasts more than a few days it is probably a cold.

My recommendation:  Take your rabbit to the vet, have the vet take a sample and examine it to identify the strain so he/she can prescribe the correct medicine to give your rabbit.  Don't let the vet just assume it is pasteurella.

Answer 3

your bunny just has a lil cold.. put him in a room with no drafts and he should be okey dokey in about a week or 2.... GOOD LUCKK!!!

Answer 4

It might be his bedding. Some animals get respiratory infections from cedar shavings and or pine shavings. you may need to buy some of the pellet type bedding.

Answer 5

maybe change the hay, just to a diffrent brand. or brush him. his hair that falls ut might be in his nose, adn annoying him.  

Answer 6

He is probably fine. Did you get him a new bedding or litter? If so, it could be dustier than his old one, causing him to sneeze more. You can always change to a less dusty bedding.