Why Do Goats Cough? The Real Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore 🐐 One day, I visited a smallholder farmer who looked really worried. “Brother,” he said, “my goat keeps coughing, and I don’t know what’s wrong. I gave it clean water and food... but it still coughs.” I smiled and told him, "You’re not alone. Many farmers ignore a goat’s cough thinking it’s just a normal reaction — but in most cases, it’s a warning sign." So let’s talk about it. 🥶 1. Pneumonia – The Silent Killer The most serious and common cause of coughing in goats is pneumonia. It can start as just a little cough, but in a matter of days, it can kill a goat if not treated. What causes it? Drastic changes in temperature — like warm days and cold nights Cold, wet, or drafty housing Overcrowding and stress Transport without proper care Weak immune system due to poor nutrition What to observe: Goat coughing persistently Heavy or labored breathing Fever Nasal discharge (mucus from the nose) Refusing to eat or looking dul 🩺 This is the time to call a vet immediately. Early treatment with antibiotics and good supportive care can save your goat’s life. 2. Dusty or Moldy Hay – The Unseen Enemy Not all coughing is caused by disease. Sometimes it’s simply environmental. If you're feeding your goats dusty, moldy, or poorly stored hay, the particles can irritate their respiratory system. They breathe it in, and the body responds by trying to push it out — so they cough. Also, bedding that hasn’t been changed regularly or stored in a damp place can become moldy or release ammonia, further irritating their lungs. What to do: Shake and inspect your hay before feeding Store hay in a dry, ventilated place Clean bedding regularly and ensure housing has proper airflow 🪱 3. Lungworms – The Hidden Culprit Another cause is internal parasites, specifically lungworms. These worms live in the lungs and slowly damage the respiratory system. The goat may look okay at first but will develop a chronic dry cough. You may notice: Regular coughing even when there’s no dust Poor weight gain Weakness over time Solution: Fecal tests from a vet and a proper deworming plan. Not all dewormers treat lungworms, so seek the right one. 🚬 4. Environmental Irritants – The Neglected Factor Ever sprayed strong disinfectant near your goats and they started sneezing or coughing? That’s not a coincidence. Smoke (from burning near the farm), chemicals, or strong smells can cause temporary coughing — and if prolonged, can damage their lungs. Action: Avoid using strong chemicals around the animals Provide proper ventilation in the goat house Avoid burning trash near the barn 🔍 So, When Should You Be Worried? A little cough from time to time might not be alarming. But when it becomes: Frequent Accompanied by weight loss or dullness Combined with fever or labored breathing 👉 That’s when you stop guessing and get help. 💡 Final Thought: Goats are tough animals, but their health is delicate when it comes to breathing problems. A simple cough could be the beginning of something big. And as a responsible farmer, your role is not just to feed and water them — it’s to observe, understand, and act early. Coughing is a message — make sure you listen. Let’s keep sharing knowledge. A healthy goat today is food and income tomorrow.