My rabbit has difficulty breathing, what could be responsible?

Snuffles is a common condition affecting the upper respiratory system of rabbits. Another common name for it is a "bunny cold." Bacteria, mainly Pasteurella multocida, which causes pasteurellosis, are the cause of snuffles.

Keep your rabbit warm and provide fresh food and water, you can use a vapouriser to help clear the nasal passage. You can take him to the vet who will probably prescribe antibiotics and in a few days your bunny should be ok.

This happened to my friend’s rabbit, Binky. He started breathing strangely, and after several vet visits, they finally discovered the issue—his teeth were overgrown and causing pressure on his nasal passages. Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously, and if they don’t wear them down properly, it can lead to serious health problems. Regular hay intake helps, but in some cases, they may need professional dental care. If your rabbit has difficulty breathing and also struggles to eat, drools a lot, or has a swollen face, dental problems might be the culprit.

I had a similar experience with my rabbit, Nibbles. One day, I noticed he was breathing heavily, almost like he was struggling to catch his breath. At first, I thought it was just the heat, but then I saw a little discharge from his nose. Turns out, he had a respiratory infection. The vet prescribed antibiotics, and within a week, he was back to his usual energetic self. If your rabbit is showing any signs like nasal discharge, sneezing, or wheezing, it’s best to get them checked out quickly because respiratory infections can get serious fast.