My Goats Cough All the Time
Here’s 9 Reasons Why
First and foremost, goats cough on a regular basis. And it’s kind of silly that we immediately freak the eff out as soon as one of our goats starts coughing.
We usually think the worst right away.
And the truth is, there are reasons to hit the panic button when a goat has a chronic cough. But before you determine the cough is concerning enough to hit the goat forums (and get some way out there burn-the-barn-down advice), consider the following.
1. Goats Cough During Digestion
When I was new to goats, I didn’t know about all the scary things that can cause a goat to cough. So when my favorite doe, Dolly, had a cough, I kinda shrugged it off thinking she simply fershlucked. (That’s what my german husband calls choking on your own spit). 🤷🏻♀️
And turns out, most of the time they cough because they’re eating too fast (like when we inhale a breadcrumb) or they cough when they “burp” their cud up for its second chewing before it makes its way back down to the second stomach.
All totally normal, and no cause for concern.
2. Goats Cough During Battle
And goats battle all the time!
Pecking order issues, grain trough fights, and simply goofing around are all reasons goats push and shove each other.
Sometimes a simple shove shakes loose a cough or two or causes a goat to inhale funny and cough it out.
This is also completely fine.
Happens to all of us when we get rowdy!
3. Dry Climates Make us All a Little Dry
You know how you feel when it’s super dry in the house during the winter?
Your hair is all staticky, your sweater sticks to your belly, and your skin is itchy.
And every once in a while you just dry cough because, well, it’s just so darn dry?
Goats do that too.
4. A Farmer is Kicking Up Dust
Here at Windhaven Farm, we’re surrounded by a huge farm field. In fact, we live on a hill where the wind blows right through your bones.
So when the farmer works the field, we ALL have dust in our lungs, and grit in our teeth.
Including our beloved herd.
So they cough, have allergy issues, and even get pink eye from the crud that gets stuck in their pretty little eyes.
So if your current conditions are dust city, you may have some coughing throughout the barn and the farmhouse!
If that’s the case, move the herd indoors, or on the other side of the barn, and wait for the dust to settle.
5. Dusty or Moldy Hay
If you’ve ever watched a herd of goats shove their snouts into a pile of freshly tossed hay, you know they’re getting a big gulp of whatever’s in that bale, including the lung-irritating, throat-scratching stuff. And if it’s super dusty, or moldy, you’re goats may develop acute or chronic coughs.
Moldy hay isn’t good for anyone, so if you suspect it…nix it immediately.
You don’t want something that’s supposed to be nourishing their bodies causing trauma.
6. Goats Get Colds
Moving into other, more serious causes for concern, is the goat cold. Just like you and I, goats get sick from time to time.
But here’s what goatee experts don’t always tell you…it’s not a death sentence when it’s a simple cold.
If your goat is coughing, and they are eating, drinking, digesting well, and don’t have a fever then hold your horses on the panic button and antibiotics.
(According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, a normal adult goat rectal temperature is 101.3–103.5)
Monitor your goat closely, and if a fever spikes then get out the antibiotics.
Otherwise, let your goat’s immune system do its job…but support it by ensuring your goat has top-notch minerals, all the nutrition she needs, and provide Nutri-Drench daily to give them a boost to fight their bug.
If you suspect a virus or bacterial infection in your herd, monitor everyone for symptoms and just keep in mind that some goats fight infections better than others so even if one powers through like a champ, another goat might need more support.
This is especially true for lactating goats (a lot of energy goes into the milk-making).
7. Goats with Lungworm Cough
Lungworm is a sneaky species of roundworm that sets up shop in your goat’s lungs. If you live in an area that gets heavy rainfall or is quite humid, your herd may be at risk for lungworms.
Lungworms ride around on snails, and when your goats eat the wet grass upon which the slimy snail thrives, she can contract lungworm and of course, pass it around.
You might be dealing with lungworm if anyone in your herd has a chronic cough that just doesn’t go away (and no fever). Your goat may also experience weight loss and anemia over time.
Fecal exams can determine if you’re dealing with lungworm and it can be treated with dewormers. With that being said, the dosage and frequency will be different than what is most likely on the label. So consult your veterinarian for assistance determining which dewormer, dosage, and frequency will work for your herd.
To prevent lungworm, keep your herd off of moist soil and dewy grass, and of course, rotate your pasture consistently to keep things fresh and prevent all types of roundworms from wreaking havoc on your herd.
If lungworm is not caught and treated asap it can cause lung damage (over time) and may lead to secondary infections, like pneumonia. So be aware of this bugger!
8. Goats Cough when They have Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a common goat killer, but that’s only if the goatherd (that’s you) isn’t aware of the signs or isn’t prepared to treat the symptoms and condition.
If caught early, your goat will be fine. (And might I add, prevention is key).
You might ask, well, how do I know if it’s a cold or pneumonia, and to that I say, “it doesn’t really matter because you’re going to initially treat it as though it were a cold)”.
You should be very proactive when your goat shows any of these symptoms of pneumonia:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Decreased appetite or water intake
- Snotty nose (thick yellow or green mucous)
- Chronic cough (may sound more full rather than dry)
- Inability to stand
- Anemia
- Strangely formed stools
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
If you’re on top of your herd’s health, you may never see severe symptoms.
Goats can have viral or bacterial pneumonia…and bacterial pneumonia is the only one that can be treated with antibiotics. On the other hand, viral pneumonia has to get better on its own so supportive treatment is the best option.
9. Stay Calm…It Could Be One of Those Diseases (But Probably Not)
Lastly, chronic coughing can be a symptom of the three scary goat diseases:
- CL (Caseous Lymphoma)
- Johne’s Disease
- CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis)
But before freaking out, assume it’s one of the above first. Then, if it’s still a mystery, consider having a vet do an exam and blood draw.
But until then, there’s no use worrying about something that may not ever happen. (I learned this the hard way…way too much worrying for nothing).
A Word to The Wise (Keep Calm and Enjoy Your Goats)
If worse comes to worst, love your goats no matter what they have going on. CL is something you can cope with, it’s not always a death sentence. CAE may not show up for years if at all (some goats are simply carriers), and Johnes most likely means your goats will have a shorter life, but they’re still with you…so love them while they’re here.
Yes, it’s heartbreaking, but there’s little you can do except carry on and care for the herd you have. It’s not your fault and in the future, you’ll know to ask more questions before purchasing your goats.
Unfortunately, most of us goatherds didn’t realize there were such nasty diseases out there when we started out. We learn, and we grow…but we don’t beat ourselves up or give up on goats.
It’s so easy to panic the second one of our goats seems a bit off, but before we hit the wall, let’s take a deep breath, and allow our goats a few too, before assuming the worst. The truth is, there are a lot of other causes for a cough that doesn’t include the end of the world.
So as always, observe your goats, monitor them, and make sure they always have the nutritional support they need to be happy and healthy!
