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My rabbit has a runny nose and sneezes often. Is it allergies or URI?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | unspayed | 5 lbs

My rabbit, Billie gets a runny nose and sneezing every 3ish months. Those are the only symptoms though. She still eats, drinks, is active, no runny eyes, and no matter fur on her paws. Is it possible it’s just a cold or allergies or is there a possibility of a upper respiratory infection etc

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on February 11th, 2020

Thanks for reaching out about Billie. The most common respiratory disease of rabbits is Pasteurella and can come and go. But dust or allergies can make rabbits sneeze also. If the nasal discharge is discolored (white or green), a veterinary visit is recommended to assess. Antibiotics might improve the condition. Probably not a cold. P.S. She needs to be spayed as uterine cancer is VERY common in rabbits. Hormones can be immunosuppressive. Good luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 6th, 2018

    He is probably suffering from an upper respiratory infection, it is very common in rabbits, you will need to take him to the vet ASAP in order to get it treated, he will need to have a course of antibiotics, it usually takes at least 3 weeks to resolve.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 22nd, 2016

    He isn't allergic, runny nose in rabbits is due to an upper respiratory infection in 99% of the time, this is a stubborn infection that needs to be treated with a course of antibiotics for 3-6 weeks. You will need to take him to the vet ASAP in order to get it treated.

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