Rabbit snuffles and runny nose
Repeated sneezing, a runny or crusty nose, or 'snuffles' in a rabbit usually signals an upper respiratory infection and needs veterinary care — urgently if your rabbit is also breathing hard, off its food, or lethargic. Rabbit respiratory infections can become serious, so they need a vet rather than waiting it out. Note any discharge on the front paws from wiping the nose.
Fast answer for owners
- Go now if: Laboured or open-mouth breathing with the discharge; Not eating or very lethargic; Thick coloured discharge with distress.
- Call today if: Sneezing with clear discharge, still eating well; Matted fur on the inside of the front paws.
- Do not: Ask the vet before giving medicines, forced feeding, home remedies, or delaying care.
- Tell the vet: Record last eating, drinking, droppings, urination, behaviour change, pain signs, temperature, toxins, trauma, and medications.
Go to a vet now if
- Laboured or open-mouth breathing with the discharge
- Not eating or very lethargic
- Thick coloured discharge with distress
Call a vet today if
- Sneezing with clear discharge, still eating well
- Matted fur on the inside of the front paws
What to tell the vet
- How long the signs have lasted
- Discharge colour and amount
- Breathing effort
- Appetite and droppings
- Other rabbits affected
- Weight and conditions
What not to do
- Do not give human cold or antibiotic medication
- Do not ignore it as 'just a sneeze' if persistent
- Do not delay if breathing is affected
What your vet may check
Your vet may examine the nose, eyes, teeth, and chest, and may take samples to guide treatment. Dental disease can underlie nasal signs.
Recovery support after veterinary assessment
Treatment is vet-led; daily immune and general support such as RodiCare Immun or WOOLY daily care may be positioned to support recovery on veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What are 'snuffles' in rabbits?
Snuffles is a common term for upper respiratory infection in rabbits, often involving Pasteurella or other bacteria. It needs veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
Is rabbit sneezing always serious?
An occasional sneeze with a clear nose may be minor, but repeated sneezing, discharge, or any breathing change needs a vet, as infections can progress.
Can dental disease cause a runny nose?
Yes. Overgrown tooth roots can affect the nasal passages and tear ducts, so vets often check the teeth in rabbits with nasal discharge.
Related emergency guides
Sources & standards
Emergency guidance follows RWAF, House Rabbit Society, and exotic small-mammal medicine standards, source-cited and pending named veterinary review.
Related pages in this emergency hub
Source-cited guidance; pending named veterinary review.