While out tending the pasture and the goats the other day, I heard a noise from behind me such like I’ve never heard before.
It had to have originated from one of my goats—I guessed the particularly loud one.
It was like a hoarse sneeze, quick and loud, and really startled me, to be perfectly honest.
As I say, I’ve never heard a noise like that before. It wasn’t until I noticed a neighbor’s dog off in the distance, and my goat staring at it, that I had an idea what may have happened—I think it sneezed.
But why do goats sneeze?
Goats typically use sneezing as a means to warn each of danger. It can also be a respiratory reaction to dust, just like our own sneezes are. There are a variety of reasons, and sneezing is quite normal—excessive sneezing indicates a problem, though.
So, to put it simply, goats sneeze for all the same reasons we do.
It’s a respiratory response to foreign objects in the sinuses, a possible indication of an infection or illness—or a loud noise intended to warn the rest of the herd of danger.
Knowing what to look out for, and what to do if you suspect there is something wrong, is essential but quite simple.
Why do my goats keep sneezing?
If your goat is sneezing repeatedly, day to day, excessively and under a variety of circumstances, then there are a couple of possibilities.
Firstly, the more mild and less concerning possibility is that there is excessive dust in your goat’s environment.
This is not to say that this isn’t problematic if left untreated, but it is much easier to remedy.
Clean up their habitat, make sure there is no large amounts of dust anywhere.
If your goat is sneezing a lot and there is no sign that there is any dust, then there could be a more deep-seated problem.
There may be an issue with allergies.
They can be allergic to a wide variety of substances, and even certain kinds of pollen.
Make sure they have a comfortable indoor space to retreat to during pollen season.
Finally, you have the concern of outright illnesses of some kind.
These can be similar to the common cold for ourselves, and as bad as pneumonia.
If you’re in any doubt of your goat’s health, you should call a vet.
Sneezing excessively because of illness can indicate something seriously wrong, so you should take absolutely no chances.
Why do goats get snotty noses?
Goats may get snotty noises alongside their sneezing, and, again, this can be caused by a number of things.
Common causes of nasal discharge are greatly varied, and usually indicate the same issues as sneezing.
Nasal bots are one cause—the maggots of flies that can often get into your goat’s feed.
Dusty feed can also cause this, by allowing dust into the sinuses.
Then, you are mostly left with a variety of infections that can cause these symptoms.
Upper respiratory tract infections are a very common cause, and similarly any infection or illness which has an impact on the respiratory system is likely to result in sneezing and snotty noses.
So, as you can see, there are a variety of causes, some that are more of a worry than others.
You should move quickly to eliminate the less dangerous possibilities, and if the symptoms continue, contact a vet.
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What are the signs of pneumonia in a goat?
Pneumonia is one oft the most common and deadly causes of sneezing, and the other symptoms we’ve been talking about.
Knowing how to identify and remedy pneumonia is really important for goat keeping, especially if you live in a colder climate.
There are many signs to look out for, including the ones we’ve already talked about.
Goats with pneumonia will be sneezing and producing a lot of nasal discharge.
It won’t be a pretty sight.
Other than that, take note of their general respiratory health.
Is their breathing labored and difficult? If they are coughing, if they seem to have a fever, to be breathing mostly through their mouth, these are all signs of potentially lethal pneumonia.
If you notice any of these symptoms, or general, overall fatigue and slow, labored movement, you should have your goat seen by a vet immediately.
Why else do goats sneeze?
So, goats certainly do sneeze because of illness and allergies, just like we do.
However, there is one other key use of sneezing that you should be aware of.
Goats can utilize sneezing to act as warning of danger to the rest of the herd—even if that danger is only imagined, and not real.
So, if you hear isolated incidents of sneezing, and perhaps register something that you think could have scared your goat, then this is most likely all it was.
Though they are safe in your pasture, those instincts will still kick in sometimes.
Verbal warnings like this are very common in herd animals.
So, while goats do use sneezing in a couple of different ways, you should also be very much on alert if you do see it happening.
It can be one of the first indications of quite a serious illness, and so you should take that possibility fully into account.
It’s important that you don’t overreact, though.
Make sure there’s nothing else going on, and if you’re ever in any doubt, it’s always best to simply call a vet.
They will be sure, if nothing else.