What do do when my goat looks unwell

Seeing your goat under the weather can make anyone’s heart do an emergency landing. Don’t worry—here’s your Spitfire-style flight plan for action:

1. **Check the Basics:**

Is your goat eating, drinking, and moving around like their quirky self? Listlessness, standing alone, or no appetite are red flags.

2. **Look for Physical Clues:**

Scan for droopy ears, odd posture, runny nose, panting, coughing, limping, or any swelling. Eyes should be bright, not gunky.

3. **Touch Down Gently:**

Feel for fever (hot ears, shivering), check gum colour (healthy pink, not pale), and take note if their tummy’s making less noise than your simulator on a Sunday morning.

4. **Record the Details:**

Jot down symptoms, changes in behaviour, and the timeline. Even goats appreciate a good logbook!

5. **Call the Vet:**

If your goat seems really unwell (struggling to breathe, bloated, in visible pain, or refusing all food/water), ring your vet pronto—don’t try to DIY the diagnosis.

6. **Fly Calm, Captain:**

Keep your goat comfy, offer fresh water, and separate them from the herd if contagious. Reduce stress—sick goats need peace, not a party.

7. **Don’t Guess Treatments:**

Never guess with medication or supplements—ask your vet first. Goats are tough, but the wrong remedy can ground them fast.

**Bonus Quirk:**

Goats are notorious for playing “stealth sick.” If something feels off, trust your instincts—better a false alarm than missing a serious issue.

**Stay positive, stay alert, and remember: a healthy goat today means more playful headbutts tomorrow!**