pet rat with an upper rep. infection at home?

Question

My two pet rats are sneezing and have runny noses. What can I do at home to help them?

Answer 1

It could be an allergy to their bedding, keep them off any kind of wood shavings. Use carefresh or bob martins recycled paper cat litter. One of my first rats nearly died due to an allergy. If you change their bedding and they dont improve after 24 hours, take them to the vet. Other things that cause allergies are air fresheners and candles. I bought an air purifier and keep it switched on unless I go out or go to sleep. It has made a huge difference with my rat that has lung damage.
If you take them to the vets, make sure that they do not inject antibiotics. There is a high chance that the antibiotic will burn the skin and cause a nasty sore area. Also never put the meds in their water, they will taste the difference and refuse to drink it which will make them dehydrated, plus you cant tell how much they are getting. Its best to give any meds with a syringe in the mouth or in a tiny piece of bread.

Answer 2

resperatory problems are common in rats. for more info go to ratfanclub.org and look up helpful information. There are articles about it. You can prevent reperatory problems by not using litter with wood chips, cleaning out the cage often, and avoid cleaning with chemicals that have fumes or irratents. You can give your rats some baytril to prevent their infections from getting worse. Its best to get this from a vet, because he can give you the proper dosing to your rats weight. Its always good to talk to a vet if you have questions about your rats health, just give them a call.

Answer 3

seriously, my daughter raises rats and she says to give them some chicken soup...it works for ppl, it works for rats.
if they're not eating, give them some nutrocal...you get it at the pet store...petco. watch em closely, if it gets worse, they need to go to the vet for antibiotics. do not try to give them antibiotics on your own. their metabolism is so fast, it takes a very precise amount of medication. and is given by injection. you can give them some childrens' motrin for fever or pain. you feel their tail...if it's cold, they're shocky, if it's hot, they have a fever. for more info...google "the rat lady". she's the expert and has specific dosages of motrin, etc. good luck, i hope they get well soon.