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Why is my pet rat constantly sneezing and making strange sounds?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rat | Male | unneutered

I have a pet rat, he won’t stop sneezing and making strange sounds all the time and we don’t know what’s wrong, we always believe he’s attracting small yellow worm grub creatures which are appearing, please help us

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on February 20th, 2019

It sounds like Kenny is suffering from an respiratory infection, most rats suffer from this condition at some point in their lives, it needs to be treated with a special antibiotic, you will need to take him to the vet ASAP in order to get it treated.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 30th, 2016

    It is very common but not "normal", it is caused by a respiratory infection which is difficult to get rid off, you need to take him to the vet to get an antibiotic course. He will probably suffer from this problem again in the future and will need the same treatment again.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 23rd, 2018

    It's most likely an upper respiratory infection, it's very very common in rats unfortunately. it will need to be treated with antibiotics, usually the treatment is quite long (3-6 weeks) and the condition never heals completely- she will need antibiotic treatment once in a while each time the problem comes back. i strongly recommend taking her to the vet the first chance you get in order to get this sorted.

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    Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 7th, 2020

    Thanks for reaching out about Luna and including a photo. Sneezing a few times daily could be normal, just clearing dust from the nostrils. Any discharge? The most common cause is mycoplasmosis, and is not CURABLE but is treatable. Antibiotics could help improve clinical signs, but animals are likely to relapse sometime in their lives. If not discharge and quality of life good (eating, active), check husbandry parameters as stress, high dust bedding, intense light, could also be causes. Good luck.

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