Rats are often seen at the animal hospital for breathing issues, and these problems usually come on quickly. Knowing what causes breathing problems in rats, how to prevent them from occurring, and how they are treated is important for a rat owner to understand.
A Guide to Keeping and Caring for Pet Rats
What Causes Breathing Problems in Rats?
Several factors can contribute to breathing problems in pet rats. The type and condition of the bedding, cleanliness of the environment your rat lives in, and various diseases and infections can all cause respiratory distress in your pet rat.
Treating Breathing Problems in Rats
If your rat is having problems breathing, regardless of whether or not there is nasal or ocular discharge, seek help from your exotics vet and start treatment as soon as possible. If your rat is diagnosed with a more serious condition than a simple cold, the treatment will vary based on the problem.
Preventing Breathing Problems in Rats
The best way to prevent most respiratory problems in rats is to keep their enclosures clean. Don't allow your pet rat to be around other rats if you're not sure what diseases they may carry, since rats transmit diseases to each other very easily. If you have a sick rat at home with other rats in your household, quarantine your infected rat from the others and thoroughly wash your hands after handling it.