How to Tell If Your Goat Is Sick (10 Signs You Should Never Ignore)

Introduction

If you’ve spent any time with goats, you already know — they’re masters at pretending everything is fine. Because goats are prey animals, they’re naturally wired to hide signs of weakness or illness. That means by the time your goat looks sick, they might’ve actually been fighting something for a while.

The good news? Once you learn what to look for, you can catch early warning signs before things get serious. Whether you’re brand new to goat care or years into homesteading, these 10 symptoms will help you recognize when something is “off” — so you can take action quickly and keep your goats healthy.

10 Signs Your Goat Is Sick

Below are the most common warning signs that your goat may be sick — plus why they matter.

1. Reduced Appetite or Not Eating

Goats are food-motivated. If they suddenly stop eating, nibble less, or avoid grain/hay, it’s a major red flag. Lack of appetite is often one of the earliest illness signs.

2. Lethargy / Low Energy

A normally curious, active goat suddenly standing alone, not interacting, or refusing to move could be in distress. Lethargy often points to pain, infection, or metabolic issues.

3. Diarrhea or Abnormal Poop

Runny stool can signal parasites, diet changes, infection, or toxin exposure. Changes in pellet shape or color also tell you that something is off.

4. Coughing / Nasal Discharge

A runny nose, cough, or labored breathing may indicate pneumonia, respiratory infection, or lungworms. Goats normally breathe quietly — any wheezing or rattling needs attention.

5. Limping or Mobility Issues

Lameness can be caused by injury, hoof rot, abscesses, arthritis, or parasites. If a goat is reluctant to walk or favors a leg, investigate right away.

6. Bloat (Distended Left Side)

A firm, swollen belly on the left side can mean bloat — a medical emergency. The goat may stand uncomfortably, grunt, or refuse food.

7. Sudden Weight Loss

If a goat becomes thin quickly or you notice ribs/spine showing, it may be battling parasites, infection, or nutrition issues.

8. Abnormal Behavior / Isolation

Goats are herd animals. If one is standing alone, hiding, acting fearful, or behaving differently, there’s probably something wrong.

9. Changes in Milk Production (Does)

A sudden drop in milk output, abnormal milk (clots, blood), or swollen udders can indicate mastitis or metabolic concerns.

10. Abnormal Temperature

Normal goat temp = 101.5–103.5°F (38.6–39.7°C). A fever or low temperature is one of the most telling indicators of internal illness.

Causes & What To Do

Sickness in goats can stem from many sources, including parasites, infection, diet changes, stress, injury, or environmental conditions. Here are the most common causes behind the symptoms above — plus practical steps you can take.

Common Causes

• Parasites (internal or external) — A leading cause of weight loss, diarrhea, anemia, and weakness.
• Respiratory infections — Trigger coughing, discharge, and fever.
• Injury / hoof issues — Cause limping, abscesses, pain, and reduced activity.
• Bloat — Often caused by sudden diet changes or overeating rich feed.
• Mastitis — Inflammation of the udder, leading to milk changes and swelling.
• Nutritional deficiencies — Can cause weak immune systems, weight loss, and poor growth.
• Stress/transport — Weakens immunity and makes goats more susceptible to illness.

What To Do (First Steps)

• Check temperature — First vital sign to take.
• Isolate the goat — Prevents potential spread + helps monitor symptoms.
• Check hydration — Look for sunken eyes, dry gums, or skin tenting.
• Assess poop + behavior — Track changes.
• Provide fresh hay + clean water — Avoid new grains or diet changes.
• Run a fecal test — Parasite load check; treat as needed.
• Inspect hooves — Look for abscesses, rot, or injury.
• Note breathing — Labored breathing = urgent.

If your goat seems off and you can’t identify the cause within a few hours, contact a vet.

When to Call the Vet

Some issues can be monitored at home, but others require immediate veterinary care. Call your vet if you notice:

🚨 Urgent Signs

• Bloat (left side swelling, discomfort)
• Labored breathing or wheezing
• High fever (over 104°F) or low temperature (under 100°F)
• Severe diarrhea, especially in kids
• Inability to stand or walk
• Uncontrolled bleeding / severe injury
• Seizures or neurologic symptoms
• Suspected poisoning

Call the Vet Soon (Same Day)

• Persistent coughing or nasal discharge
• Sudden weight loss
• Refusing food or water for more than a few hours
• Unexplained lethargy
• Mastitis signs (hot, hard udder; abnormal milk)
• Parasite symptoms that don’t improve with treatment

Trust your gut. If something feels wrong — even without a clear symptom — it’s better to call.

Prevention Tips

Keeping goats healthy starts with a proactive routine. While illness isn’t always preventable, these habits will reduce risk and catch problems early.

🟢 Daily Practices

• Observe behavior — Know your goats’ normal quirks.
• Check eyes + coat — Bright eyes and shiny coats indicate health.
• Monitor appetite + poop — Quick way to spot early issues.

🟠 Weekly Practices

• Hoof checks — Catch early signs of rot or injury.
• Body condition scoring — Notice weight changes sooner.
• Mineral availability — Free‑choice minerals help avoid deficiencies.
• FAMACHA checks — Monitor eyelid color to catch anemia early from barber pole worms.

🔵 Seasonal Practices

• Fecal testing — Spring + summer parasite checks.
• Shelter refresh — Clean bedding + good airflow.
• Vaccinations — CD&T annually.

General Prevention Tips

• Always provide fresh water + quality hay.
• Introduce new feed slowly.
• Quarantine new goats for 2–4 weeks.
• Maintain clean, dry pens.
• Reduce stress during transport + weather changes.

Healthy routines = healthy goats.

Conclusion

Catching illness early can make all the difference for your goats. Because they instinctively hide symptoms, it’s important to pay attention to subtle changes — in appetite, behavior, energy, and body condition. When in doubt, check temperature, isolate, and observe. Trust your gut, and never hesitate to call your vet if something feels off.

Healthy goats are curious, bright-eyed, and eager to eat. The more time you spend with your herd, the faster you’ll recognize when something’s not right — and the quicker you can step in to help.
Catching illness early can make all the difference for your goats. Because they instinctively hide symptoms, it’s important to pay attention to subtle changes — in appetite, behavior, energy, and body condition. When in doubt, check temperature, isolate, and observe. Trust your gut, and never hesitate to call your vet if something feels off.

Healthy goats are curious, bright‑eyed, and eager to eat. The more time you spend with your herd, the faster you’ll recognize when something’s not right — and the quicker you can step in to help.