Medicine Box Essentials
Thermometer: Take a goat’s temp rectally. Temps from 101.5-103.5 can be normal. The upper end of normal is more common on a hot summer day.
Hoof trimmers: Hand held rose trimmers with long, narrow blades work well.
Heat Lamp: To keep young kids or sick goats warm in cold weather. Always be very careful that it is high enough off the ground to be safe from curious goats. Also, be sure that the cord and unit do not contact flammable materials including straw. Heat lamps can be very dangerous so exercise extreme caution if you need to use one.
Probiotics: These are beneficial bacteria that support the proper rumen environment. Give probiotics when a goat has digestive troubles (including bloat), when a goat is stressed (including travel), during and after antibiotic use, or when it has an illness of any kind. Probios is a widely available probiotic; Fastrack is even better if you can find it.
Vitamin B Complex: This broad spectrum injectable solution is good for goats when they are sick, stressed, or off their feed. If they stop eating altogether you will need to use injectable Thiamine in addition to the broad spectrum B Complex.
Baking Soda: Helps treat bloat. Not particularly common in goats but if you are feeding alfalfa to does it can be problematic. Mix with water and probiotics.
Dewormers: There are a variety of dewormers on the market and only a few are labeled for goats. It is best to consult with your veterinarian to determine if your goats are having an issue with parasites. I do not advise “routine” deworming as many parasites are resistant to common dewormers. It is far more effective to evaluate what parasites could be causing problems by running fecal exams and treating for a known problem.
Vaccinations: as discussed on the previous page, Goat Care 101, goats are commonly vaccinated for tetanus and clostridium types C and D. Do not use the 8 way vaccine (covexxin 8) unless recommended by your veterinarian. Also, if rabies is a problem in your area, your veterinarian might suggest a rabies vaccine as well.
*For more specific medications, such as antibiotics and pain killers, consult with your veterinarian as to the specific medicine indicated for the clinic signs present.*
**Remember that proper nutrition, including ideal mineral intake, will give your goats the best possible chance to lead long, happy, healthy, productive lives!**
Hoof trimmers: Hand held rose trimmers with long, narrow blades work well.
Heat Lamp: To keep young kids or sick goats warm in cold weather. Always be very careful that it is high enough off the ground to be safe from curious goats. Also, be sure that the cord and unit do not contact flammable materials including straw. Heat lamps can be very dangerous so exercise extreme caution if you need to use one.
Probiotics: These are beneficial bacteria that support the proper rumen environment. Give probiotics when a goat has digestive troubles (including bloat), when a goat is stressed (including travel), during and after antibiotic use, or when it has an illness of any kind. Probios is a widely available probiotic; Fastrack is even better if you can find it.
Vitamin B Complex: This broad spectrum injectable solution is good for goats when they are sick, stressed, or off their feed. If they stop eating altogether you will need to use injectable Thiamine in addition to the broad spectrum B Complex.
Baking Soda: Helps treat bloat. Not particularly common in goats but if you are feeding alfalfa to does it can be problematic. Mix with water and probiotics.
Dewormers: There are a variety of dewormers on the market and only a few are labeled for goats. It is best to consult with your veterinarian to determine if your goats are having an issue with parasites. I do not advise “routine” deworming as many parasites are resistant to common dewormers. It is far more effective to evaluate what parasites could be causing problems by running fecal exams and treating for a known problem.
Vaccinations: as discussed on the previous page, Goat Care 101, goats are commonly vaccinated for tetanus and clostridium types C and D. Do not use the 8 way vaccine (covexxin 8) unless recommended by your veterinarian. Also, if rabies is a problem in your area, your veterinarian might suggest a rabies vaccine as well.
*For more specific medications, such as antibiotics and pain killers, consult with your veterinarian as to the specific medicine indicated for the clinic signs present.*
**Remember that proper nutrition, including ideal mineral intake, will give your goats the best possible chance to lead long, happy, healthy, productive lives!**
**Note that my thoughts on routine goat care are not intended to be general medical advice. Please discuss any of the above topics with your own veterinary medical provider!