What to give a rat for a cold? - briefly
Offer a warm, humid environment and provide a small amount of warmed water or an electrolyte solution to maintain hydration. Add a vitamin‑C‑rich supplement such as a slice of orange or a few berries, and apply a few drops of sterile saline to the nostrils to ease congestion.
What to give a rat for a cold? - in detail
A rat showing signs of a respiratory infection requires supportive care and, when appropriate, medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
Hydration is essential; fresh water should be available at all times. If the animal drinks little, provide supplemental fluids with a syringe (without a needle) or offer diluted electrolyte solution.
Maintain a warm environment. Keep the cage away from drafts, raise ambient temperature by 2–3 °C, and provide a heated pad on one side of the enclosure so the rat can regulate its own comfort.
Nutritional support aids recovery. Offer soft, high‑protein foods such as boiled egg white, plain low‑fat yogurt, or specially formulated rat recovery formula. Reduce fiber‑rich items temporarily to lessen respiratory strain.
When veterinary assessment confirms a bacterial component, the following treatments are commonly used:
- Antibiotics targeting common pathogens (e.g., enrofloxacin, trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole) administered according to dosage guidelines.
- Mucolytic agents such as bromhexine to thin secretions, if prescribed.
- Anti‑inflammatory medication (e.g., meloxicam) to reduce nasal swelling, under professional direction.
Symptomatic relief can be enhanced by:
- Applying a humidifier near the cage for 10–15 minutes twice daily.
- Gently clearing nasal discharge with a warm, damp cotton swab, taking care not to cause trauma.
- Monitoring weight and respiratory rate; rapid deterioration warrants immediate veterinary intervention.
Preventive measures include regular cage cleaning, proper ventilation without drafts, and quarantine of new arrivals for at least two weeks. Prompt veterinary consultation remains the cornerstone of effective treatment for respiratory illness in pet rats.