Rabbits do not catch common colds the way people do. So when your bunny starts sneezing, wiping a wet nose, or leaving damp marks on her front paws, it is a genuine warning sign. Snuffles is the everyday name for upper respiratory infection in rabbits, most often caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, though Bordetella and Pseudomonas can also be involved. Many rabbits quietly carry these bacteria without any symptoms, and the infection flares up when stress, poor ventilation, or another illness weakens their defenses. Snuffles is serious, contagious between rabbits, and can progress to pneumonia within days if untreated.
Symptoms of Snuffles
- Frequent sneezing and noisy or wheezy breathing
- Nasal discharge – watery at first, turning milky white, cream, or thick yellow-green as it worsens
- Runny eyes or crusted corners from blocked tear ducts
- Matted, dirty front paws – rabbits use them to wipe their nose and eyes, leaving telltale “sleeves”
- Reduced appetite, weight loss, and low energy
- Head tilt or balance problems if the infection reaches the middle ear
When to See a Vet
See a rabbit-savvy veterinarian promptly at the first sign of nasal discharge or sneezing. This is not a wait-and-see condition. If your rabbit begins breathing through the mouth, that means severe respiratory distress and is an emergency. Because rabbits hide illness so well, by the time signs are obvious the infection may already be advancing toward the lungs.
Common Vet-Directed Treatments
Your vet will examine your rabbit and may take a deep nasal swab for culture and sensitivity testing, which identifies the exact bacterium and the antibiotics that will actually work against it. Chest x-rays can rule out pneumonia. Depending on findings, treatment may include:
- Rabbit-safe antibiotics such as enrofloxacin or trimethoprim-sulfa, often for several weeks or longer
- Nebulisation to deliver medication directly into the airways
- Tear duct flushing and eye drops when the eyes are involved
- Anti-inflammatory pain relief such as meloxicam
One critical warning: antibiotics like amoxicillin, ampicillin, and clindamycin are dangerous for rabbits – they can wipe out the gut bacteria rabbits need to digest food and be fatal. Never give leftover antibiotics or medicine prescribed for another animal. Pasteurella can be difficult to eliminate completely, so some rabbits need long courses or repeated treatment during flare-ups.
Home Care
While your rabbit recovers, keep the environment calm, warm, and well ventilated. Gently clear crusted discharge from the nose with a damp cotton pad, and follow your vet’s advice about saline drops. Keep everything scrupulously clean – litter trays, bowls, and bedding – and wash your hands after handling the sick rabbit. Do not separate bonded partners; the stress of separation weakens their immune systems more than shared exposure harms them, but do wash hands and use separate bowls between rabbits.
Prevention
| Preventive Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Quarantine new rabbits for at least two weeks | Carriers show no symptoms but can infect your group |
| Good ventilation and daily cleaning | Ammonia buildup and stale air irritate airways |
| Grass hay-based diet and enrichment | Good nutrition and low stress keep immunity strong |
| Disinfect housing after illness | Bacteria survive on bowls, toys, and surfaces |
| Avoid aerosols and dusty bedding | Airborne irritants trigger flare-ups |
Watch: Helping a Sneezing Rabbit
This short guide shows what sneezing and nasal discharge look like in rabbits and the first steps to take before your veterinary visit.
This article is for educational content only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian about your pet’s health.