How to Treat Snuffles in Rabbits at Home: A Gentle Guide for Worried Bunny Parents

If you've ever watched your rabbit twitch their nose and sneeze repeatedly, or seen damp patches around their nostrils, you’ve probably felt that pang of worry in your chest. I certainly did the first time Oliver—my sweet, curious rabbit—started showing symptoms. It started with a few little sneezes here and there. At first, I brushed it off. “Maybe he got a bit of dust in his nose,” I thought. But then I noticed the discharge—thick and white—and suddenly it wasn’t so easy to dismiss.

That’s when I heard the term snuffles for the first time. The name sounds almost cute, doesn’t it? Like something minor, a sniffle or a cold. But don’t let the innocent name fool you—snuffles in rabbits is a potentially serious upper respiratory infection that can quickly spiral out of control if not handled properly.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything I learned about how to treat snuffles in rabbits at home—from gentle home remedies to supportive care that can ease your rabbit’s symptoms and help them bounce back. But let me be clear upfront: this is not a replacement for veterinary care. Snuffles can be life-threatening if left untreated, so even if you’re treating your rabbit at home, a vet’s input is essential.

What Are Snuffles in Rabbits?

“Snuffles” is the informal term for a bacterial respiratory infection, most commonly caused by Pasteurella multocida, although other bacteria like Bordetella or Staphylococcus can also be involved. The infection primarily affects the nose and sinuses but can spread to the eyes, ears, and even lungs if it’s not caught early.

Some of the most common signs of snuffles include:

• Repeated sneezing

• Thick nasal discharge (often white or yellow)

• Matted fur on the front paws (from wiping the nose)

• Runny eyes

• Decreased appetite

• Noisy breathing or wheezing

• Lethargy

When Oliver had snuffles, the first thing I noticed was that his usual enthusiasm for greens had dimmed. He wasn’t bounding to the bowl like he used to, and his nose had that telltale crusty look. That’s when I knew something wasn’t right.

Should You Try Treating Snuffles at Home?

In all honesty, snuffles isn’t a condition you should only treat at home. Rabbits have delicate respiratory systems, and infections can worsen rapidly. That said, many of the treatments that support your rabbit’s recovery can—and should—be done at home alongside veterinary-prescribed medication.

Think of it this way: the vet handles the medicine, and you handle the love, comfort, and environment. That combination is where the magic happens.

1. See a Vet First (Yes, Really)

Before we dive into home care, I can’t stress this enough: see a vet. A rabbit-savvy veterinarian can prescribe the correct antibiotics and ensure the infection hasn’t spread to the lungs or ears.

When Oliver was diagnosed, the vet prescribed a course of enrofloxacin, which worked wonders. But it wasn’t the medication alone that got him through—it was the combination of that and everything I did at home to support him.

So, once you’ve got your vet’s input and a plan in place, here’s how you can help your bunny heal in the comfort of their own little haven.

2. Create a Warm, Stress-Free Environment

Stress is a huge factor in rabbit health. When they’re sick, it’s even more important to make them feel safe and secure. I moved Oliver’s enclosure to a quieter room away from foot traffic and noise, added extra soft blankets, and dimmed the lighting a bit.

Keep the temperature stable—around 68–72°F (20–22°C)—and make sure the area is free of drafts. Avoid placing your rabbit near air vents, fans, or open windows.

Soft background music (gentle classical or nature sounds) can also help keep things calm. I even started reading aloud while sitting by Oliver’s pen. Maybe it was the sound of my voice or the rhythm of the words, but he always seemed a bit more relaxed afterward.

3. Use a Humidifier or Steam Treatment

One of the best things I did for Oliver when he had snuffles was set up a humidifier near his pen. Moist air helps loosen mucus and ease breathing. It made a noticeable difference in how congested he seemed.

If you don’t have a humidifier, you can do a simple steam treatment once or twice a day. I would bring Oliver into the bathroom, run the shower on hot (with the door closed), and sit with him in the steam for about 10–15 minutes.

Be sure not to put your rabbit in the shower—just let them sit safely in their carrier or on a towel on the floor.

This helped break up the gunk in his sinuses and made it easier for him to breathe—and it also gave us some quiet bonding time.

4. Keep the Nose Clean

Rabbits can’t blow their noses, so it’s up to us to help them stay comfortable. Use a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball to gently wipe away any discharge. If the fur around their nose or paws becomes crusty, you can use warm water to soften it before wiping.

Be gentle. A rabbit’s skin is delicate, and when they’re already feeling unwell, the last thing they need is rough handling.

5. Encourage Eating and Hydration

When Oliver was sick, his appetite dipped. This is where things can get dangerous—rabbits need to eat constantly to keep their digestive systems moving. If they stop eating, they risk developing GI stasis, which is an emergency in itself.

To encourage eating:

• Offer fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil

• Hand-feed small portions of greens

• Provide unlimited fresh hay, changing it out a few times a day to keep it tempting

• Offer critical care (a high-fiber formula) with a syringe if they’re not eating at all

Hydration is just as important. Fresh, clean water should always be available. If your bunny isn’t drinking much, offer wet greens or a water bowl in addition to their bottle.

I spent a few late nights hand-feeding Oliver watery critical care mush with a syringe. It was messy, but it kept his gut moving and ultimately helped him turn the corner.

6. Clean the Enclosure Daily

Snuffles can worsen if your rabbit is surrounded by dust, bacteria, or dampness. I made it a point to clean Oliver’s litter box every day and change his bedding frequently.

Use dust-free hay, avoid pine or cedar shavings, and opt for paper-based or soft bedding that won’t irritate the respiratory system. Ventilate the space gently but consistently, and wash food and water bowls daily.

7. Keep a Close Eye on Symptoms

Even as you treat snuffles at home, monitor your rabbit closely. If any of the following signs appear, it’s time to go back to the vet:

• Loss of appetite for more than 12 hours

• Lethargy or unwillingness to move

• Labored breathing or wheezing

• Tilted head or loss of balance (could indicate ear infection)

• Green or yellow discharge

Rabbits are stoic little beings, so any behavior that seems “off” is worth taking seriously.

8. Be Patient—Healing Takes Time

Recovering from snuffles isn’t instant. Oliver took a couple of weeks to get back to his old self, and even then, I kept watching for recurring symptoms. Sometimes, snuffles becomes a chronic condition, especially in older rabbits or those with compromised immune systems.

Don’t get discouraged if progress is slow. Improvement is often gradual: a little more appetite one day, a few happy hops the next. Celebrate the small wins. I remember the day Oliver flopped on his side for the first time after being sick—I nearly cried from relief.

Can Snuffles in Rabbits Be Cured at Home?

Let’s come back to this core question: can you treat snuffles in rabbits at home? The answer is yes—with vet guidance, diligent care, and a whole lot of attention. While the antibiotics do the heavy lifting, it’s the home care that keeps your rabbit comfortable, hydrated, and safe from secondary complications.

The keyword here is support. Home treatment doesn’t mean doing it all on your own—it means partnering with your vet and creating the best possible recovery environment.

Final Thoughts: Healing Through Compassion

Caring for a sick rabbit is emotionally exhausting. You second-guess every choice, every bite they don’t take, every nap that seems too long. I’ve been there, sitting cross-legged beside the pen at 3 a.m., holding a tiny bowl of pureed greens, whispering encouragement like it was a sacred prayer.

But there’s also something beautiful in that kind of care. It deepens the bond. It teaches you to listen more closely, to observe more carefully, to love more quietly.

So if your rabbit has snuffles, and you’re doing everything you can—vet visits, steam baths, hand feeding, soft voices—you’re not just treating a condition. You’re showing up in the most compassionate way possible. And that, in itself, is healing.

You’re not alone. And your bunny? They’re lucky to have you