With the concentration of health issues on social media, it can feel like any symptom is cause for serous concern and it becomes easy to fear that a case of the sniffles will turn out to be pneumonia.
I want to remind you that we don't get posts like "Everything is great today!" because folks tend to post when they need help.
In reality, much more good things and good days happen than bad, its just hard to see that online.
While pneumonia is a very real and fast acting threat, the more likely explanation for those symptoms is a common cold.
A cold typically has:
- clear or light colored discharge
- no fever
- light discharge from eyes
- little to no impact on appetite or energy
- little to no chest congestion
- slight coughing
Most colds in goats resolve on their own, just as they do in humans. If you have concerns about heading off pneumonia, start by boosting your goat's immune system naturally.
One of my go-to immune-boosting recipes is a garlic and olive oil slurry, which is simple to make and easy to administer. I've included a simple recipe card below—feel free to save it or print it out for quick reference!
Supporting Natural Immunity
Preventing illness is always easier then treating it. Beyond immune-boosting herbs, there are natural supplements designed to support your goats' immunity during times of stress and seasonal change
Animed Immu-Aid Immune Boosting Supplement with Echinacea and Garlic 16 Ounce
When to Step In
Being armed with information is the best defense against both worry and bad outcomes. Using the cold symptoms above as a baseline, it may be prudent to act if any symptoms worsen. Other indicators that your goat's cold is progressing include:- green or thick nasal discharge
- reduced appetite
- lethargy
- hunched posture
- chest congestion heard through stethoscope or by putting your ear behind the shoulder and listening
- high or low fever (normal is 101.3-103.5)
- wheezing, heavy breathing, high respiration rate
- you have a gut feeling that you need to do more and that feeling is not a cold, dread fear response but a deeper knowing
Because pneumonia can act quickly, you must also act quickly. If you feel at all uncertain, contact a vet to get guidance but most importantly, take immediate steps to treat.
Here are some herbal protocols you can try, but be prepared to seek a vet if symptoms are worsening.
In 16 years of raising goats, I've had only 2 or 3 cases of pneumonia. Focus on building up your goats with excellent nutrition and an environment geared toward good health and you'll find fewer and fewer incidents requiring direct intervention.
If you'd like to dig deeper into herbal care and my specific teachings on intuition, philosophies of care and how I manage my herd 100% herbally, take a look at my new paid Facebook membership for just $7/month.
