How to Groom a Goat

Grooming your goat is essential whether you use it as a show animal or for its milk and flesh. Whatever breed of goat you own, you should maintain its well-being by bathing it and keeping its coat trimmed every spring. Regular grooming keeps the coat clean and healthy, and prevents the hair from getting tangled and attracting dust. By using the appropriate grooming accessories, you can easily groom your goat on your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope
  • Mild shampoo
  • Bucket with warm water
  • Jug
  • Washcloth
  • Blow dryer
  • Electric clippers
  • Number 10 and 20 blade
  • Garden pruning shears or sheep hoof trimmers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bathe your goat before clipping its coat to remove any dirt. Prevent your goat from attempting to escape while bathing by having someone help you. You can also restrain your goat by securing a rope round its neck and tying it to a solid beam.

    • 2

      Wash the coat with a mild shampoo formulated for goats. This will prevent depletion of natural oils from the coat. Add half a cap of the shampoo to a bucket filled with warm water. Pour the water over your goat̵7;s body with a jug, and use a washcloth to gently rub its body clean. Rinse the coat with clean water.

    • 3

      Dry your goat̵7;s body in the sun, or speed up the drying process by using a blow dryer to blow-dry its skin and coat. Ensure that your goat is completely dry before you trim its coat as wet hair will dull clipper blades.

    • 4

      Select a clean, flat area to trim your goat̵7;s coat. Use electric clippers to trim your goat̵7;s coat. Take care to avoid nicking your goat's skin while trimming its coat.

    • 5

      Use a number 10 blade to cut 1/4 inch of your goat̵7;s body hair. Trim the coat all across your goat̵7;s head, neck, belly and flanks. If you have a female goat, trim the udder area with a number 20 blade. This blade will prevent the delicate skin around your doe̵7;s udder from getting scraped.

    • 6

      Trim your goat̵7;s hooves every six months with garden pruning shears or sheep hoof trimmers. Use a stanchion to securely hold your goat while trimming its hooves.