I bought my female rat about 3 days ago from te pet store.We bought her a big WIRE cage.She is eating and drinking fine but wont stop sneezing.We have notices small draining from her nose.We bought her bedding from pet supplies plus and it is called "Total Comfort".And right now she is making weird noises.Anyone know what to do?
her sneezing is constant its like 7 times every 2 minutes
Prodigy556
Favorite Answer
I would suggest taking her to a vet. It sounds as if she may have an upper respiratory infection, which is common when getting a pet store rat. Rats have very sensitive respiratory systems and most pet stores do not keep them properly, and of course do not quarantine, so if they get one rat shipping to them with a respiratory infection, all the rats get it.
If she is at the point of making weird noises(raspy breathing?), then it is getting to the lungs and needs to be treated ASAP, before it goes into pneumonia(which is very hard to treat). The lungs eventually scar and she won't be able to breath.
A lot of new rats will have the sneezes, but numerous sneezes every 2 minutes is extreme, especially when she also has porphyrin discharge and making noise when breathing.
Your vet will be able to prescribe a simple antibiotic that should clear it up in a few days. Do NOT get the ferret Rx from a pet store, it is junk, a waste of money and it does not work.
I have had a lot of rats over the years(50+), and have seen and treated respiratory infection more time than I like to think about. The good thing is, a small amount of antibiotics quickly clears it.
?
I purchased my first 2 rats from a pet store also. Mine did sneeze but it didn't go any further, it seems to clear up on its own. Maybe it just is your new house she has to get used to. If you see any other signs of infection (wheezing, goopy eyes, etc.) get her to a vet. OOOOHHH I just read your edit! This is a sign of affection for them! i forget what's its called (bruxing I think), but you should feel loved! It's their way of letting you know they feel safe! How cool, not all rat owner get to hear that! **EDIT** Oh...well...it can also happen when they are stressed. Make sure the "monster" has treats. She will come around. Give her a treat (cheerios) and make her come to YOU, then leave her alone. She will learn that when you come to the door, you have good stuff :) It doesn't take long, they are smart little things. The more time you spend with her the better it is. I know that you've probably heard this a thousand times, but another companion female rat for her would be great! The time that you have is awesome, but when she's alone, she will get lonely. I didn't know this before and after I researched (yes i bought then researched), I quickly learned that 2 or more is best. I went the next day and bought her sister. I am now up to 6. but don't freak out! You only got her today!!!!!! Remember that :) Best of luck!! Oh and what does she look like????
Anonymous
Yes i have a answer. We have 2 female dumbo rats and when we got them the sneezed on and off also so this is what we did: we got "Marshalls, ferret RX, upper respotory infection." (was very cheap) if that doesn't work then most likely she is allergic to the bedding. Ours probly were because they did still sneeze (not as often tho) so we got ECO bedding. This bedding has no allergines or dust so your rat "Can't" be allergic to it. These are the two things that have made our pet rats not sneeze anymore. If this still continues contact a vet :). Hope this helped -Michael
Andy D
Hey tropical,
Contrary to the *partially* incorrect posts above here is what you should do.
Couple of things first, you are over reacting.
Rats sneeze in general and what you are seeing coming out of her nose is poryphin (it is red right?). It is the equivalent to our mucus.
They sneeze when they come to a new house because of all the new allergens in the environment.
If this persists for 4 more days (until it is a week) check a couple of things.
1)
Is she under a vent or draft in your house?
2)
Is she in a cold area?
3)
When you hold her put her next to your ear, if you here a "clicking" you need to take her to a vet and get medically attention as she has URI which is a serious illness.
Total Comfort Bedding is made of wood fibers which may contain cedar or pine, which are toxic to your critter.
STOP using this bedding and switch to Carefresh ULTRA (the best, also what I use for my three rats).
Seven times every two minutes is a lot so please follow this advice.
In the meantime watch her carefully.
Hope I helped
Rodent Lover
Rat Owner
Andy D
P.S.
Right now if you only have one right (which is implied?) this is terrible.
Rats must be kept in groups of two or more or they suffer depression and may die. Here is a video on why you must have two or more rats.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDy3bMRuobE
Suzy T***loves Afflicted****
Ok listen just take her to the vet they do see rats so just take her tom. then maybe she will get well Good luck