How to Treat a Goat With a Cold

When a goat exhibits a runny nose with clear-to-cloudy mucus, watery eyes and a mopey temperament, it might be coming down with a cold. This is a normal occurrence for most goats and is no more life-threatening to them than it would be to a human. Still, because goats are so susceptible to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia or bronchitis, it's best to keep a close eye on your animal's health. Luckily, there are ways to care for your goat when it's showing signs of a cold.

Clean the goat's shelter. Make sure the animal's sleeping area is dry, well-ventilated and free of dust and drafts.

Avoid giving antibiotics. Colds are viral in nature, not caused by bacteria. Not only will antibiotics not help your goat, but they could hamper the animal's natural resistance to harmful bacteria in the future.

Fast your goat for up to two days, if desired.

Feed your goat plenty of vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes. Offer foods rich in probiotics, like yogurt. Spice the animal's meals with 1 tsp. of paprika. Avoid foods like peas, beans and oats.

Dose your goat with a clove or two of garlic each morning and evening. Add echinacea, if desired.

Push liquids, just as you would with a human. Offer your goat the juice of a large lemon mixed with 1 pt. of warm water and 1 tbsp. of honey. You might also try a combination of elder blossom, honey and sage brew two times a day to soothe the animal's throat.

Clean your goat's nostrils if they become overrun with discharge or dry mucus. Try swabbing the area with elder blossom and meadowsweet extracts on cotton wool. Lemon juice can also be used in this way.