How to Treat Snuffles (Pasteurella) in Rabbits: 13 Steps

Your rabbit is sneezing, their nose is damp, their paws are crusty, and suddenly you’re on Google at 2 a.m. typing “bunny cold?? help???”
Take a breath. What you’re dealing with might be snufflesmost commonly caused by
Pasteurella multocida, a bacterial infection that’s serious, but often manageable with the right care, swift veterinary help,
and good long-term husbandry.

This in-depth guide walks you through 13 practical steps to recognize, treat, and manage snuffles in rabbits using
evidence-based information from veterinary guidelines and rabbit welfare organizations, written in clear, no-drama,
standard American English. You’ll learn what to do immediately, what treatment really involves, what absolutely not to try at home,
and how to give your rabbit the best shot at a comfortable, hoppy lifeeven if Pasteurella decides to move in long-term.

What Is Snuffles (Pasteurella) in Rabbits?

“Snuffles” is a common term for upper respiratory infections in rabbits, most often linked to
Pasteurella multocida, though other bacteria (like Bordetella, Staphylococcus, or Pseudomonas) can also be involved.
It’s highly contagious among rabbits and can range from mild nasal discharge to pneumonia, ear infections, eye problems,
abscesses, or systemic illness.

Unlike a simple human “cold,” snuffles in rabbits is never something to casually watch for a week.
Rabbits hide illness, crash fast, and have fragile digestive systemsso prompt, correct treatment is non-negotiable.

Common Signs of Snuffles in Rabbits

• Frequent sneezing or snorting
• Wet nose or thick, white/yellow nasal discharge
• Runny or irritated eyes
• Matted fur on front paws from wiping nose
• Noisy breathing, snoring, or “whistling” sounds
• Reduced appetite, slower chewing, or droppings getting smaller
• Lethargy, hiding, or hunched posture

If you see these signs, assume your rabbit needs a rabbit-savvy veterinariannot just “let’s see if it clears up.”

How to Treat Snuffles in Rabbits: 13 Essential Steps

Step 1: Confirm It’s an Emergency (Hint: It Usually Is)

Any rabbit with nasal discharge, noisy breathing, or not eating normally deserves same-day or next-day veterinary care.
If your rabbit has open-mouth breathing, blue-tinged gums, hasn’t eaten or pooped for 8–12 hours, or seems collapsed:
this is an emergency. Go to an emergency vet immediately.

Step 2: Find a Rabbit-Savvy Veterinarian

Not all vets specialize in exotics. Look for a clinic that regularly treats rabbits and follows current guidelines for
rabbit-safe medications. Ask directly, “Which antibiotics do you commonly use for rabbits?” If the answer includes
unsafe oral penicillins or random dog/cat protocols without hesitation, keep looking.

Step 3: Get a Proper Diagnosis (Not Just Guesswork)

A good vet exam may include:

• Full physical exam and temperature check
• Nasal or ocular swab for culture and sensitivity (to identify bacteria and which antibiotics work)
• Dental exam (because tooth root issues can mimic or worsen snuffles)
• Imaging (X-rays) if pneumonia, abscesses, or chronic disease is suspected

This isn’t “overkill”it’s how you avoid months of wrong antibiotics and recurring flare-ups.

Step 4: Follow the Prescribed Antibiotic Plan Exactly

Treatment often includes rabbit-safe antibiotics chosen based on culture results and clinical judgment.
Typical courses last at least 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer for chronic or severe infections.
Never:

• Use leftover antibiotics from other pets
• Stop antibiotics early “because bun looks better”
• Give over-the-counter human cold meds

Stopping too soon or using the wrong drug encourages resistance and allows Pasteurella to regroup like a villain in a sequel.

Step 5: Support Eating and Gut Health

Sick rabbits may eat less due to congestion or feeling unwell. That’s dangerous; their gut needs constant fiber.
Offer:

• Unlimited high-quality grass hay
• Fresh leafy greens (introduced gradually if your rabbit isn’t used to them)
• Vet-approved recovery food via syringe if appetite drops

Ask your vet about using probiotics or timing medications to protect the gut. Never let “not eating” slide.

Step 6: Keep the Nose Clear (Gentle But Consistent)

Thick discharge makes breathing difficult. Use a soft, damp, warm cloth or sterile saline-soaked cotton pad to gently
wipe away crusts from nose and paws. Do not stick cotton swabs inside the nostrils.

Your vet may recommend saline drops or nebulization with specific solutions. Always follow their formuladon’t DIY mystery mixes.

Step 7: Use Humidity and Clean Air the Right Way

A bit of humidity can help loosen mucus:

• Run a cool-mist humidifier in the room (cleaned daily).
• Keep your rabbit away from smoke, aerosols, dusty hay, or scented products.

Good ventilation + low dust = easier breathing and better treatment response.

Step 8: Isolate When Needed and Protect Other Rabbits

Snuffles is contagious. If you have multiple rabbits:

• House the sick rabbit separately but within sight/scent if bonded, to reduce stress.
• Wash your hands and change clothes between handling rabbits.
• Disinfect bowls, litter boxes, and shared surfaces regularly.

Your vet may advise treating or at least monitoring companions closely.

Step 9: Deep-Clean and Upgrade the Environment

A clean, low-stress space supports recovery. Focus on:

• Regular litter box changes to reduce ammonia fumes
• Dust-controlled, good-quality hay storage
• Soft, clean bedding (no dusty wood shavings)
• Stable, comfortable temperatureavoid overheating and drafts

Step 10: Manage Stress Like It’s a Medication

Stress weakens your rabbit’s immune system and can trigger flare-ups. Keep routines predictable:

• Handle gently and calmly
• Provide hiding spots and quiet time
• Avoid major changes (travel, new pets) during treatment

A chilled-out rabbit is better equipped to keep Pasteurella in check.

Step 11: Watch for Complications (Head Tilt, Eye Issues, Lung Problems)

Snuffles isn’t always limited to the nose. Contact your vet immediately if you see:

• Head tilt or loss of balance
• Severe eye discharge, squinting, or swelling
• Loud or labored breathing, flared nostrils, or open-mouth breathing
• Lumps or abscesses under skin or along jaw

These signs may signal inner ear infections, pneumonia, or abscesses that need advanced treatment.

Step 12: Accept That Snuffles Can Be Chronic (and Plan for It)

Some rabbits become long-term carriers. That doesn’t mean they can’t live a full, happy life.
It does mean:

• Regular check-ups with your vet
• Quick treatment at the first sign of flare-ups
• A consistently clean, low-stress, high-fiber lifestyle

Think of it as managing a recurring condition, not “failing to cure” your rabbit.

Step 13: Prevent Future Flare-Ups and New Infections

Sensible prevention includes:

• Quarantining new rabbits before bonding
• Keeping groups stable and avoiding overcrowding
• Maintaining ideal diet: mostly hay, controlled pellets, fresh greens
• Routine wellness exams with an experienced rabbit vet

There is no widely used Pasteurella vaccine for pet rabbits in the United States, so husbandry and hygiene are your main tools.

Practical Home Care Tips (That Don’t Break Vet Rules)

• Offer water in both a heavy bowl and bottlesick rabbits may prefer one over the other.
• Warm, fragrant greens or a tiny bit of fragrant hay can encourage eating when your rabbit is stuffy.
• Weigh your rabbit regularly during illness; subtle weight loss is an early red flag.
• Keep a written medication and observation log so you and your vet can track progress.

And one more time for the people in the back: do not give human cold medicine, essential oils in the air,
random herbal antibiotics, or unprescribed drugs. They can harm or kill your rabbit.

Conclusion

Treating snuffles (Pasteurella) in rabbits is a team effort: your rabbit-savvy vet provides targeted antibiotics and medical care,
while you handle daily comfort, nutrition, cleanliness, and stress control. With early intervention and consistent management,
many rabbits with snuffles live long, bright-eyed, hay-shredding lives. Respect the infection, but don’t panicorganized,
informed care beats fear every time.

sapo:
Snuffles in rabbits isn’t “just a little sneeze”it’s a serious, contagious respiratory infection that demands quick, correct care.
This guide breaks down 13 clear steps to spot early warning signs, work with a rabbit-savvy veterinarian, choose safe treatments,
support your rabbit’s appetite and breathing, protect bonded companions, and prevent future flare-ups. No fluff, no fearmongering:
just practical, evidence-based strategies to help your bun breathe easier and bounce back stronger.

Real-Life Experiences: Living With and Treating Snuffles (Bonus Insights)

If you’ve just heard “Pasteurella” for the first time, it sounds terrifyinglike something only happens to “bad owners.”
That’s not reality. Many well-loved indoor rabbits develop snuffles despite excellent care. What separates the success stories
from the heartbreak is how quickly and consistently their humans respond.

Consider a common scenario: a young mini lop starts sneezing with a clear discharge.
Her family assumes it’s dust from the hay and opens a window. A week later, the discharge turns thick and white,
her front paws are stained, and she’s less interested in pellets. When they finally see an exotics vet,
culture results confirm Pasteurella. After a full antibiotic course, better ventilation, cleaner litter boxes,
and more hay, she stabilizes. Over the next year, she has two minor flare-upseach caught early, treated promptly,
and resolved without crisis. That’s a win. The key wasn’t magic; it was attention + action.

Another example: a bonded pair where one rabbit develops snuffles.
The guardian panics at the idea of separating them, but total isolation would spike stress.
Working with a rabbit-savvy vet, they compromise: same room, adjacent pens, shared calm routines.
The sick rabbit gets targeted antibiotics and nebulization, the companion is monitored closely,
and strict hygiene is enforced. Both do well. The takeaway? You can protect bonds and protect health
with thoughtful management rather than all-or-nothing moves.

Long-term caregivers of “chronic snuffles” rabbits often share similar strategies:
investing in a good air purifier, choosing low-dust hay, logging every sneeze pattern,
and keeping an emergency fund for vet visits. Many describe their rabbits as energetic,
playful, and deeply bondedall while managing intermittent nasal discharge or occasional courses of medication.
It becomes part of the routine, like managing allergies in a human child, not a constant tragedy.

One powerful lesson from experienced owners and rescue groups is this:
catching tiny changes early saves lives. A slightly damp nose, a softer sneeze, a quieter evening,
smaller poopsthose are your cues. People who act on those subtle signs rarely regret “overreacting,”
but many regret waiting “just a few more days.” Over time, you’ll learn your rabbit’s personal baseline:
how they breathe at rest, how they groom, how full their hay rack is in the morning.
That familiarity is your strongest tool in beating Pasteurella back when it tries to flare.

Finally, owners who’ve navigated snuffles successfully often talk about mindset.
Instead of seeing Pasteurella as a life sentence, they reframe it as a chronic condition that’s manageable with good vet care,
smart husbandry, and compassionfor the rabbit and for themselves.
You don’t have to be perfect; you do have to be observant, responsive, and willing to ask for expert help.
When you combine science-based treatment with daily, loving care, “snuffles” stops being a horror word
and becomes one more challenge you and your rabbit tackle together.