Sneezing rat

[Shiloveshorses]

Dray (Shi's white young rat) is sneezing. His eyes are clear, very active but he is sneezing. Tat was sneezing when I first got him but now fine. Is this a problem or should I just keep an eye on him?

[soccer mom]

what kind of bedding are you using? If you are using shavings, it could be dusty. Pine is better to use than cedar. Can rats have seasonal allergies? Hope he feels better soon!

[Shiloveshorses]

I am using Healthy Pet Odor Control bedding. The only way I know how to describe it is like it is big clumps of toilet paper. I cleaned the cage this afternoon thinking maybe it needed to be cleaned as they had buried their food everywhere so hopefully that will do the trick. Tat was sneezing when I first got him then he quit after a few days so maybe Dray will stop soon. He acts fine otherwise so I am hoping it is nothing major. The fun part will be finding a vet if he needs to be seen.

They do tend to sneeze for a bit after first bring them home - I think it's partially the new environment and smells. As long as there is no discharge and the little guy is alert and active, I wouldn't worry about it. If it persists or a discharge develops, definitely see a vet.

[Gypsymare]

Rats are very susceptible to a variety of respiratory infections. I don't have any at the moment but had several while I was in college. I had one poor little guy that had to go on an antibiotic and get the steam treatment under a towel over a vaporizer to ease his breathing but he pulled through. It could just be the stress of a new environment but if it gets worse then a vet visit is in order. You might to well to ask on a Rat Care forum.

This is a useful guide to show your vet if you can't find one all that familiar with rats: http://www.rmca.org/Articles/dchart.htm

[Melissa_PQHorse]

Actually both cedar and pine are detrimental to their respiratory health. Aspen is a safe choice as is are many of the more 'artificial' beddings.

[Shiloveshorses]

He seems to be doing well now. I think he just needed a bigger more open cage. I use the healthy choice shavings which is what the pet shop used.

[Melissa_PQHorse]

Those are okay but do remember that there are a lot of pet shops that don't know proper animal care.

[Shiloveshorses]

I had heard about these kind from an online rat forum. I definetly know some don't know proper animal care. Seen that first hand. These have no odor and seem to be pretty absorbant. They definetly love to bury their food under them.