Sneezing Rat

Question
Hello, I just got a little girl rat named lily. I got her 5 days ago and a few day ago, she started sneezing. She was fine in the pet store,(their are no breeders around here)but as soon as we got her she started sneezing. It is not completely continuous, though she does sneeze quite often. I waited to see weather she was getting better or worse, and she is neither. She has stayed the same. She also hasn't shown any other signs of URI, so I was wondering if there are any other reasons she may be sneezing? I plan on taking her to the vet within the week.

Answer
Hi.  Congrats on your new baby rattie!  Occasional sneezing is normal and common when a rat is brought into a new environment and can continue for about a week while they adjust.  However, do listen closely to her chest for any labored breathing and if there is any, definately take her to the vet.  Otherwise, if breathing seems normal the sneezing will hopefully stop and perhaps no vet visit will be needed.  If you can afford a vet, then by all means if you are concerned at all, do take her in just to be sure.

Let me ask you this:  what kind of bedding are you using?  It should be a low-dust bedding such as Aspen, or something like Carefresh or Yesterdays News.  If it is pine or cedar, those are very bad for rats and can cause respiratory issues.

One more thing:  you didn't say if you have a companion for your new girl.  If you don't, please consider seriously getting another female asap as rats are extremely social and need another rat to play, cuddle and sleep with, because we cannot possibly spend that much time with them.  Especially at night, when we are sleeping, rats are most active and having no one would be a very lonely and sad life.  Taking care of 2 rats is not harder than taking care of one.  So please consider a companion.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.