My Goat Was Bitten by a Dog—What Should I Do?

I get this question more often than I’d like, and it always makes my stomach turn. A goat, bitten by several dogs, now covered in wounds—what should be done? If you’re facing this situation, I won’t sugarcoat it: it’s an emergency. But don’t panic. Let’s walk through the medical, practical, and legal aspects of handling this crisis, step by step.

Step One: Stop the Bleeding and Assess the Damage

The first thing I’d do is stop the bleeding. Apply firm but gentle pressure using a clean cloth or sterile gauze. If the wound is oozing rather than gushing, that’s a sign of capillary bleeding, which usually stops on its own. But if it’s pulsing, that means an artery is involved—time to call a vet immediately.

Once the bleeding is controlled, I’d check for deeper injuries. Are there puncture wounds? Torn skin? Exposed muscle? Dog bites are notorious for crushing tissues beneath the surface, even when the skin isn’t visibly torn. And don’t forget to check for signs of shock—cold extremities, pale gums, rapid but weak pulse. A goat in shock needs urgent veterinary intervention.

Step Two: Clean the Wounds Properly

At this stage, cleaning the wounds is important. I’d flush them thoroughly with sterile saline or clean water. If I don’t have saline, I’d use boiled and cooled water with a mild antiseptic like chlorhexidine or diluted povidone-iodine (Betadine). One thing I’d never do? Use hydrogen peroxide—it damages healthy tissue and slows healing.

After cleaning, I’d trim the hair around the wound for better visibility and apply an antibiotic ointment. But here’s the thing: the biggest risk isn’t just the wound itself—it’s infection. Dog saliva contains Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus bacteria, which can lead to severe infections like cellulitis or even septicemia. So, let’s talk antibiotics.

Step Three: What Antibiotics Should Be Given?

This is where it gets a bit technical. If a vet is available, I’d let them choose the best antibiotic based on the goat’s condition. But in an emergency, I’d go for a broad-spectrum antibiotic like oxytetracycline (LA) or procaine penicillin. If I suspect anaerobic bacteria involvement (deep puncture wounds), I’d consider metronidazole alongside penicillin.

And here’s something often overlooked: tetanus. Goats are highly susceptible. If the goat isn’t up to date on its CDT vaccine, I’d give a tetanus antitoxin immediately. If the goat is vaccinated, I’d still administer a booster shot of tetanus toxoid.

Step Four: Pain Management—Yes, Goats Feel Pain

Let’s talk pain relief. I can’t stand seeing an animal suffer, but here’s an important fact: some common painkillers are lethal to goats. Never use NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Instead, I’d opt for flunixin meglumine (Finadyne) at the correct dosage, as it’s both a painkiller and an anti-inflammatory.

I’ve seen some farmers brush off pain management, thinking goats are “tough.” But imagine having a deep wound with zero pain relief. Would you recover well? Neither will your goat.

Step Five: Preventing Infection—Long-Term Care

Over the next few weeks, I’d monitor the wounds for swelling, foul odor, or excessive discharge—signs of infection. I’d clean the wounds daily, reapply antibiotic ointment, and ensure the goat is housed in a clean, dry area.

Nutrition also plays a role in healing. I’d ensure my goat gets enough vitamin C, zinc, and high-quality protein to support tissue repair. Moringa leaves, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, are a great supplement. And yes, science backs this up (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2016).

Addressing a Common Concern: What About Rabies?

This is a fair question. While rabies transmission through dog bites is rare in goats, it’s not impossible. If I suspect the attacking dogs were unvaccinated strays, I’d observe the goat for neurological signs like excessive drooling, aggression, or paralysis. If there’s any doubt, I’d consult a veterinarian immediately.

What’s the Legal Side of This? Responsible Dog Ownership Laws

Now, let’s shift gears a bit. Why do these attacks happen in the first place? Irresponsible dog ownership. In Tarlac City, the local ordinance mandates that dog owners secure their pets and prevent them from roaming freely. Owners of aggressive dogs are held liable for damages (Tarlac City Ordinance No. 002-2017). If a neighbor’s dog attacks my livestock, I can demand accountability. And if stray dogs are the culprits, local government units should be enforcing animal control measures. Are these laws being enforced in your area?

Hybrid Goats, Boer Goats, and Anglo-Nubians—Do They Recover Differently?

A strong goat recovers faster, and genetics play a role. I’ve noticed that hybrid goats, with their mixed genetic resilience, often bounce back quicker than inbred lines. Meanwhile, purebred Boer goats, known for their rapid growth, need extra wound care since their thick musculature can hide deep tissue damage. Anglo-Nubian goats, with their high milk production, require extra nutritional support during recovery. If you’ve raised these breeds, have you observed similar patterns?

What’s Next? Learn More at the Goat Farming Seminar

I know firsthand how raising goats isn’t just about feeding them and hoping for the best—it’s about preparation, quick thinking, and science-backed decision-making. If you want to sharpen your skills in goat healthcare, genetics, and farm management, I highly recommend attending my face-to-face Goat Farming Seminar in Manila on May 17, 2025. We’ll tackle real-life farm challenges and solutions. Register now!

Final Thoughts: An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure

This situation reminds me of an old saying: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men” (Frederick Douglass). The same applies to goat farming. Preventing dog attacks—through secure fencing, responsible pet ownership, and local enforcement—is far easier than treating a wounded animal. Let’s push for responsible dog ownership and proactive farm management. What steps are you taking to protect your livestock? Let me know in the comments.