Ivermectin is a medication given to goats to treat internal parasites. Learn the correct Ivermectin dosage for goats & how to give the medication correctly.
Parasites are one of the biggest problems for all goat owners. Goats are especially susceptible to internal parasites, stomach worms being one of the most common.
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Internal parasites, or worms, can cause so many problems in your goat herd, such as: weight loss, unthriftiness, anemia, lethargy and even death.
One of the most common dewormers used in goats is Ivermectin.
Ivermectin is considered a “clear” dewormer. And is often the dewormer of choice in many areas, as it is still very effective at killing parasites.
Uses for Ivermectin in Goats
Ivermectin is used to treat internal parasites in goats. Parasites include:
- Barber pole worm
- Stomach worms
- Threadworms
- Lice
You should use a product labeled 1% Ivermectin Injectable ( usually labeled for cattle). It is used extra-label for goats.
Ivermectin Dosage for Goats and Kids
Even though Ivermectin is labeled as an injectable, it is given to goats ORALLY.
This is because goats have a much faster metabolism.
The Ivomec dosage for goats is 1 cc per 34 lbs of live weight.
It’s important to dose your goats correctly. You should use a livestock scale or a goat weight tape to get an accurate weight before treating with Ivermectin.
This is an injectable product that you give your goats orally.
Using a syringe with a needle, pull out the correct amount of the product, then remove the needle from the syringe and drench your goat.
Ivermectin Withdrawal Times
Ivermectin is a chemical product, so if you are using it in a food-producing goat you need to take care before human consumption.
When raising animals for human consumption, prevention is always best. It will keep your food cleaner and you won’t have to worry about ingesting chemicals.
You can also use herbs or essential oils to help prevent and treat internal parasites before the infestation grows too big.
Using Ivermectin in Milking Goats
Since ivermectin usage in goats is extra-label use there is no official milk withdrawal time.
I personally use a withdrawal time of 7 days with my milking goats, but I try my hardest to not have to use a chemical product at all with my milking does and only use Ivomec as a final resort.
Using Ivermectin in Meat Goats
Again, since it is an extra-label use for goats, there is no official withdrawal time.
But the generally accepted meat withdrawal time is 14 days. (source)
Tips for Using Ivermectin and Other Dewormers in Goats
More and more parasites are becoming immune to the dewormers we have available. This means that we need to be extra careful about how and when we use these products in our animals.
Here are some tips for using chemical dewormers in your herd:
- Only deworm when necessary. Don’t worm on a schedule, but on an as needed basis.
- Make sure you give the correct dosage. Underdosing can lead to more problems with immunity.
- Stick with one medication. Choose one that works and then use it until it is no longer effective. Using multiple products can potentially lead to immunity against all dewormers.
- Use prevention techniques to keep your animals health. Don’t crowd your goats, keep their barns clean, rotate pastures if you can, and keep feed and hay off the ground.
Remember that proper nutrition goes a long way in keeping your goats healthy.
Other Names for Ivermectin
Ivermectin is the name of the drug, but it is sold under many other brand, and off-brand, names. Such as:
- Ivomec (Brand name)
- Vetrimec
- Noromectin
- Agri-Mectin
All of these products are the same as long as the label reads that it contains Ivermectin 1% solution.
Tired of looking up your goat dosages? The Busy Homesteader’s Goat Management Binder has a cheat sheet of dosages for wormers, antibiotics, supplements, and other medications.
Plus you get treatment plans for common illnesses and learn how to do your own fecal examinations, so you can be sure you’re treating the correct parasite with the correct medication!
Goat Health Articles You Might Enjoy:
How to Prevent Worms in Goats Naturally Using Herbs
How to Give Your Goat a Copper Bolus
Selenium Deficiency in Goats and How to Treat It
How to Diagnose and Treat Scours in Goats
How to Make Homemade Goat Electrolytes
Sueon June 6, 2020 at 2:37 pm
Can I use horse paste wormer for goats. And if so what is the dosage.
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Outback sharonon January 5, 2021 at 7:16 am
Same question can I-use the paste wormer I use for my horses?
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Felicity Stockwellon February 20, 2021 at 5:59 am
Yes you can. Use four times the dose per kilo as you would for a horse. Half a syringe of paste will treat a 350 kg horse or pony. If your goat weighs 70 kg ( a large Saanen for instance) you treat is as if it was a 280 kg horse or pony. I hope this is clear! If you overdose slightly don’t panic! This product will also kill off ectoparasites at the same time. Hope this helps!
Rebecca Elsonon April 17, 2024 at 12:06 pm
Would love to know the answer to this question and how many days in a row yo use the ivermectin. I am using the injectable kind orally for my goats two days and then ten days later.
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Sharon Zisaon January 6, 2021 at 7:41 am
Can I use ivermectin paste on goats?
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Audrey Hackbarthon July 28, 2023 at 6:14 pm
does ivermec kill tape worms in goats. I use horse equimax dewormer on my alpacas. should I use in goats?
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Suzetteon February 19, 2024 at 9:58 am
From what I’ve read, Ivomec is not effective against tape worms. Use Valbazen instead.
Diana Cavenderon January 23, 2021 at 4:32 pm
Do I only give one dosage? I’ve heard to do again in 5 days.
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RAYon July 15, 2023 at 4:44 pm
How much do I give to a 3 month old goat of IVERMECTIN PASTE 1.87% ?
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Linda M. Parrishon February 19, 2021 at 8:45 pm
Can I use Eprinex Ivermectin POUR ON instead of the liquid oral or paste???
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Bernard Richburgon August 26, 2021 at 10:49 am
Can I use ivomec injectible as a pour on for goats
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Suzanneon April 3, 2022 at 11:38 am
Can I give ivermectin topical solution orally to a goat that is sick with botttle neck?
Denellon March 7, 2021 at 6:53 pm
What does it mean when the goats droppings have a point and are not even round ?
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Bernard Richburgon April 7, 2021 at 9:50 am
can i use pour on for goats
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Rebecca bateson April 8, 2021 at 11:19 pm
How can I buy ivermectin for my goats?
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Angela L Harmanon July 25, 2021 at 7:40 pm
You can get it at any Farm Supply store.
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kona in ashevilleon December 5, 2022 at 10:53 am
since there is no ivermectin specifically for goats (according to our vet) he recommends ‘ivermectin drench for sheep’ to be given orally for goats.
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kona in ashevilleon December 5, 2022 at 11:06 am
… i failed to mention in my previous comment that our vet says to double the label dose when giving ‘ivermectin drench for sheep’ to goats. (but please don’t take my word for it. you should probably confirm this with your livestock vet.)
Kemon April 4, 2023 at 7:33 am
Amazon
Ivermectin 1% for cattle and swineReply
Ignacio Moraleson July 7, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Can I use ivermectin on a pregnancy of a goat or sheep
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John Putnamon September 30, 2021 at 11:40 am
I have Ivomec drench for sheep. It is labeled as 0.08% solution. Can you tell me what dosage to use for goats or should I buy an injectable?
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Marybeth Hansonon January 8, 2023 at 10:50 am
How often do you treat with ivermectin? Is it one dose at 1cc per 34 pounds and the goat should be rid of parasites or is there a retreatment schedule?
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Lúthienon August 3, 2023 at 8:28 pm
What kind of minerals do you use for your goats ?And how do you keep the moisture from geting them wet and spoiled , we live in Oklahoma.I have been using Magnum Milking Minerals by Sweetlixs.
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