How to Care for a Baby Goat With a Runny Nose

When a baby goat has a runny nose, the cause can be anything from a pesky cold to pneumonia. A cold is not a major health risk. Pneumonia, however, is another story. Identifying what's wrong with the animal is the first step. Then you need to treat it. Follow these steps to learn how to care for a baby goat with a runny nose.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
  • Immune Support Tincture
  • Vaporizer
  • Aromatherapy
  • Antibiotics
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look for the symptoms of the runny nose. If the mucus is clear or white in color and the goat has no temperature, it probably has a common cold. Its normal temperature is 103 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can vary by a degree if the weather changes.

    • 2

      Watch the cold and make sure it doesn't worsen. Goats, just like people, get colds occasionally, so it's no need for concern. You may be inclined to give the animal antibiotics, but they won't cure a common cold and may make the baby goat build up a resistance instead.

    • 3

      See if the mucus is green. Differentiate between cud and mucus. Some goats have cud that comes out of the nose, but that's normal.

    • 4

      Check the lungs. If they sound raspy and the goat has a temperature, it could have pneumonia.

    • 5

      Make sure the baby goat's living space is well-ventilated, dry and free of drafts.

    • 6

      Start the goat on Immune Support Tincture, which is a herbal supplement that acts as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral. Use this three to five times a day, depending on the severity of the pneumonia.

    • 7

      Try a vaporizer or aromatherapy on the baby goat. This can include thyme, eucalyptus, lavender and tea tree oils. According to Fias Co Farm, Vick's VapoRub will work, too.

    • 8

      Administer antibiotics such as oxytetracycline or Naxel. They are available by prescription, so see a veterinarian. In addition, give the baby goat Probios to keep the rumen going and help with stress.