How to Induce Vomiting in Goats

Goats' natural curiosity sometimes causes them to eat poisonous plants.

Equipped with an obsessive curiosity and the tendency to nibble on any leafy green browse they can find, goats often consume poisonous plants, including rhododendrons and azaleas. Usually, they eat such small amounts of the poisonous plants that their bodies aren't affected. However, in certain instances, you may need to induce vomiting in your goat to get rid of large amounts of the toxic substances that it consumed. According to the North American Pack Goat Association, signs of poisoning in goats include vomiting, frothing at the mouth, staggering, labored breathing, trembling, discomfort, and bleating for help. Consider using plain table salt to induce vomiting if you know your goat has recently consumed a toxic plant or if it shows mild signs of poisoning.

Things You'll Need

• Plain table salt
• Tablespoon
• Activated charcoal

Instructions

1. Separate the sick goat from the rest of your goat herd immediately. Grasp the affected goat by the collar. Gently push its body against a fence or wall with your knee to help hold it in place.

2. Place your arm around the goat's head to hold the head still, bringing your hand up to its mouth. Gently pry your goat's mouth open with your fingers and deposit 2 tbsp. of plain table salt on the back of the goat's tongue, as recommended by the North American Pack Goat Association. Use a spoon, inserting it into the side of the goat's mouth and pushing it as far back on the tongue as possible before dumping out the salt.

3. Remove the spoon from your goat's mouth swiftly and hold the mouth closed to ensure that your goat swallows the salt completely. Let go of its head so it can vomit freely, which it should start doing within approximately five minutes.

4. Administer activated charcoal to your goat orally as soon as the goat has finished vomiting. A first-aid treatment for poisoning in animals, activated charcoal absorbs the various organic chemicals responsible for the poisoning that may remain after your goat has vomited up most of the substances. Read the activated charcoal package to determine the exact dosage for your goat; guidelines vary widely, depending upon the strength of the active ingredients and your goat's weight, so follow the dosing directions carefully to ensure that your goat gets the proper amount.

5. Arrange an emergency appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you've administered the charcoal treatment, especially if your goat starts to show severe signs of poisoning, such as staggering and convulsions.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have a tube of activated charcoal available at all times in your goat first-aid kit. Look for activated charcoal at a farm and ranch supply store or online veterinary supply centers.

• Severe plant poisoning in goats may cause death.

References

• North American Pack Goat Association: Goat Health Issues