{"id":128,"date":"2026-08-13T07:58:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T12:58:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.southtexasavian.com\/blog\/?p=128"},"modified":"2026-08-14T07:59:45","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T12:59:45","slug":"sneezing-in-rabbits-is-it-just-dust-or-a-respiratory-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.southtexasavian.com\/blog\/sneezing-in-rabbits-is-it-just-dust-or-a-respiratory-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"Sneezing in Rabbits: Is It Just Dust or a Respiratory Infection?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It may be small, wiggly, and cute as a button, but a rabbit\u2019s nose is also highly sensitive. Those noses do a lot of heavy lifting, from helping them find food to sniffing out danger. They\u2019re also sensitive in another sense: if your bunny comes into contact with dust or other irritants, the nasal passages can become infected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The team at South Texas Avian and Exotic Hospital<\/a> is highly trained in treating all sorts of pets, rabbits included. Here\u2019s what we want you to know about snuffles, nasal discharge, and sneezing in rabbits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Causes Rabbits to Sneeze? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several possible reasons why your rabbit might sneeze, and they\u2019re not all <\/em>serious. Environmental irritants like hay, smoke, poor air quality, or even scented bedding can make your rabbit sneeze. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But persistent sneezing can signal an infection. One of the most common, and most serious<\/a>, respiratory conditions in rabbits is snuffles. Despite its cute name, snuffles are anything but. This upper respiratory infection is caused by bacteria, such as Pasteurella multocida<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snuffles can block up the rabbit\u2019s nose, and make it difficult to breathe. Worse, it can quickly spread to any other rabbits in your hutch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another potential reason for sneezing and nasal discharge in rabbits is overgrown tooth roots, a symptom of Acquired Dental Disease (ADD)<\/a>. This type of dental disease can make it difficult for rabbits to eat and breathe, and requires prompt treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Symptoms of Respiratory Infections in Rabbits?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most telling symptoms of respiratory infections in rabbits include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n