Goat Medicine Cabinet

If you're new to raising goats, you may be wondering what medicines you should have on hand. 

Whether you're a seasoned farmer expanding your repertoire or a newcomer to the world of goat husbandry, understanding the essential medicines to have on hand is crucial. From addressing common ailments to emergency situations, being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring the health and well-being of your herd.

So, let's dive into the must-have medications that every goat owner should consider stocking in their supply cabinet.

Bookmark this page now for quick reference—it's your go-to guide for goat health essentials.

 

**Note: This post includes affiliate links. By purchasing something from an affiliate link, we may earn a small commission. We appreciate this, as it helps our goats contribute and stop being freeloaders.***

 

Internal parasites pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of goats, making deworming a crucial aspect of goat husbandry. These parasites, including gastrointestinal worms, lungworms, and mites, can wreak havoc on a goat's digestive system, leading to weight loss, poor growth, anemia, and even death if left untreated.

Therefore, implementing a regular deworming regimen is essential to maintaining the overall health and productivity of your herd.

Dewormers, also known as anthelmintics, are medications specifically formulated to combat parasitic infestations in goats. They work by either killing the parasites outright or inhibiting their ability to reproduce, thereby reducing the parasite burden within the animal. By effectively controlling these internal parasites, dewormers help to prevent the associated health issues and ensure that your goats thrive.

Here are some of the dewormers we like to use:

(By the way, all of these links are from Tractor Supply. Tractor Supply is pretty awesome bc you can just do all of the shopping online and just pick it up without having to search through the store for the stuff)

Ivermectin Sheep Drench (dewormer) and Ivermectin: 

This broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication works wonders in controlling both internal and external parasites. From roundworms to lice infestations, Ivermectin provides comprehensive protection for your goats.

Safeguard dewormer: 

Another excellent option in your goat medicine arsenal is Safeguard dewormer. Known for its efficacy against various gastrointestinal parasites such as stomach worms, intestinal worms, and lungworms, Safeguard is a trusted choice among goat owners for maintaining herd health.

Drench Syringe

Using a drench syringe for goats involves inserting the nozzle into the side of the goat's mouth, aiming towards the back of the throat, and slowly dispensing the medication while ensuring the goat swallows it.

Livestock syringes:  and 20 gauge needles: 

Administering medication with a needle syringe involves selecting the appropriate needle size and injecting the medication into the designated muscle or vein, ensuring proper dosage and technique to avoid injury and ensure effectiveness.

CDT Vaccine:

The CDT vaccine is a crucial immunization for goats, providing protection against clostridium perfringens types C and D, as well as tetanus.

Red Cell:

Red Cell is a supplemental feed additive for livestock, including goats, designed to support healthy blood cell production and combat anemia. It contains key nutrients such as iron, copper, and B-complex vitamins, which are essential for maintaining optimal blood health and vitality in animals.

B-12:

B12, also known as cobalamin, is a vital vitamin essential for various bodily functions in goats. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, nervous system function, and the production of red blood cells. Supplementing goats with B12 can help prevent deficiencies that may lead to weakness, poor growth, and neurological problems, ensuring their overall health and well-being.

Colostrum (if you have pregnant goats):

If you have goats that are expecting, you hope for the best, and mom should be able to nurse her babies. However, things can happen during birth. In the event that something happens to mom or she can't nurse, you need to have colostrum on hand. It's not something you can pick up at Walmart in the middle of the night, and if they decide to have their babies after-hours of your feed store, you are going to want to have this on hand. 

Copper Bolus for Kids and Copper Bolus for Adults

Copper bolus is a supplemental form of copper specifically formulated for goats and other livestock. Copper is an essential mineral necessary for various physiological processes, including enzyme function, immune system health, and the formation of connective tissues. Copper boluses provide a convenient way to ensure goats receive adequate levels of copper, helping to prevent deficiencies that can lead to poor growth, coat abnormalities, and reproductive issues.

Balling Gun (for bolus):

You are going to want to use a balling gun for the copper bolus. A lot of people will wrap it in food, but you do not want your goat to chew the bolus (it's a time released medicine). Make sure the bolus is properly sized for the goat's weight. Load the bolus into the open end of the balling gun, making sure it is securely held in place. Then, gently restrain the goat and open its mouth using one hand while holding the balling gun with the other. Insert the loaded end of the balling gun into the goat's mouth, aiming toward the back of the throat. Depress the plunger to release the bolus, ensuring it goes down the throat and into the rumen. Finally, remove the balling gun from the goat's mouth and allow the goat to swallow.

Selenium Gel:

You'll use selenium for goats when you want to make sure they're getting enough of this important mineral in their diet. It's especially important in areas where the soil is low in selenium, as goats might not get enough from grazing alone. Giving them selenium supplements can help prevent health issues like muscle weakness, poor growth, and reproductive problems.

Electrolytes: 

Jumpstart: 

These supplements are designed to provide a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and energy sources to help animals recover from illness, regain strength after kidding, or support them during times of high demand, such as showing or traveling. Jump start supplements can come in various forms, including paste, gel, or powder, and are typically administered orally. They provide a convenient way to give goats an extra boost when they need it most.

Oral Cal MPK:

Oral Cal MPK is a nutritional supplement specifically formulated for goats to support their calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels. It's commonly used during times of kidding or lactation when goats have increased nutritional demands. This supplement comes in a convenient oral form, typically as a gel or paste, making it easy to administer directly into the goat's mouth. Oral Cal MPK helps ensure that goats receive the essential minerals they need to maintain strong bones, healthy muscles, and optimal overall health, especially during critical periods of reproduction and lactation.

Hoof Trimmers

Python Dust

Python dust is formulated to control external parasites such as lice, mites, ticks, and fleas that can infest goats and cause discomfort, irritation, and even transmit diseases. Python dust is typically applied directly to the goat's coat, focusing on areas where parasites are likely to gather, such as along the spine, under the legs, and around the head and ears. It helps to eliminate existing infestations and prevent reinfestation, promoting the health and well-being of goats and maintaining optimal herd hygiene.