Rabbit health

[Buddy Bunny]

So my 3 month old rabbit has been sneezing a lot over the past day or so. He’s eating and drinking fine and is full of energy. He has no problem breathing but he does make some noise when he breathes (I have to be very close to hear it). Around his nose was dirty but it’s cleared up, he had diarrhea the other day so it may be from that (it’s cleared up now, it seems to be the cold during the night that was causing it). He’s also been scratching a bit more than usual.
However he seems to be shedding which might explain what’s happening. I also want to change his bedding (it’s wood flakes at the moment but they can be a little dusty). I’m unsure whether to seek a vet or not, how long can I hold out for? I plan on going if he shows any other signs of illness but is it recommended I go anyway?

[DanaNM]

I don’t think you are in emergency territory, but since he’s sneezing a lot and you can hear him breathing, I suspect a respiratory infection.

Pine shavings are very dangerous to rabbits (the compounds in the pine build up in their systems), so those should be removed right away, and could certainly be affecting his breathing.

A safe and affordable option are pine pellets (sold as horse stall bedding, wood stove pellets, or feline pine cat litter). The way the pine is processed to form the pellets removes the harmful compounds so they are very safe.

In light of all his recent symptoms, I do recommend you take him to the vet. Like I said, it doesn’t sounds like he is in an emergency state, but he still sounds like something is going on.

Are his poops looking good now? Regular, frequent, round?

If he stops eating or pooping, then you need to get him to the vet ASAP.

The shedding plus itching could actually mean he has a skin infection or something similar going on. So yeah, call your vet

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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