The Importance of Goat Teeth
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Goat teeth are an important and often overlooked aspect of goat health. Learn how they develop and what problems can arise.
New goat owners may not realize how important teeth are to this herbivore.
Dr. Danielle Mzyk, a clinical veterinarian at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, states, “Just because they may be lower maintenance in dental care, that doesn’t mean goats’ teeth should be overlooked.” Mzyk continues to say, “Regardless of age, goats’ teeth can become a source of pain and discomfort, which may lead to further dental issues.”
Timeline for Goat Teeth
To understand the dental background of goats, Mzyk offered a time frame for goat teeth. “Goats shed their baby teeth for permanent teeth just like humans do, from birth to an older age. For the first month, goats grow their four sets of milk teeth. By age one, their permanent incisors begin erupting and continue until the goat reaches age four.”
Mzyk reminds everyone that goats are browsers, which is why people use them for land clearing. “As a goat owner, you can easily spot a goat’s extra upper lip, which allows it to grab the food. Due to their anatomical biology, goats have lower incisors and a hard-upper dental plate compared to other livestock who have upper and lower incisors.”
The Role of Goat Teeth
Mzyk wants her students and goat owners to realize that teeth play a major role in any animal’s nutrition, and chewing is the mainstay of the digestive system, which can become a major issue if problems with the teeth arise and aren’t taken care of.
“I love goats, and love teaching many first-time goat owners surprising information — such as the fact that goats make up to 60,000 chewing motions in one day, chewing in an elliptical or oval-type motion, as well as from side to side.”
Warning Signs of Dental Issues
Debbie Stanfield, owner of Cherry Mountain Farm in North Carolina, says, “There are several tell-tale signs that your goats require dental assistance. To examine your goats’ teeth, a veterinarian should be qualified to perform dental work.” Any goat that appears to lose weight or drop food while chewing is a candidate for dental exams. “If my goats are eating less, especially as they get older, a dental issue may be evident. Goats require dentistry sometimes, but the trick is to catch a problem before it gets worse.”
Stanfield points out, “The goat may have a sore spot that you can’t see. Such an issue will definitely impact a goat’s health. If you notice their lack of eating or a foul odor, this may be a clue to a more advanced dental problem. You may notice swelling on examination, also. Watch for signs of a sharp tooth edge or trouble spot in an exaggerated motion of the lower jaw while eating, stretching its neck, twisting its head while chewing, or simply chewing weirdly. Other issues may involve ramped molars or sharp points.” She points out that debris, such as pieces of metal or even rocks that might be accidentally picked up in their hay or while browsing, can also cause tooth damage if chewed.
Diet and Teeth
Opinions differ on what’s a normal diet for goats. Stanfield feeds her goats grain in the morning and lots of hay coming from upstate New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. “They also enjoy salt blocks, vitamins, fibers, and free choice minerals.”
“My goats love bark,” she adds. “Matter of fact, they’ve killed a nice tree that provided shade for them in one of the pastures. They also love brush, bushes, and tree leaves. As long as they’re fed well and not starving, they won’t seek other types of food, which may impact their teeth. I check my goats’ teeth yearly,” she states. “I keep a close watch on all of them, especially as they get older. Sometimes you can’t catch the problems because they may have a sore spot you can’t see, but they’ll react to some type of pain.” Stanfield continued to say, “Just be aware of their chewing actions, as well as any physical changes, such as bumps or lumps, sores or cuts, around the mouth area, which may indicate a problem.”
Cost of Dental Care for Goat Teeth
As for the usual charge for a veterinarian’s dental visit. Mzyk replied, “Costs vary, depending on where you live.” Stanfield agrees. “The fee for my goats is usually $50 per exam, but that can vary. If one of my goats requires sedation, the cost is higher, so it’s hard to estimate.”
ANITA B. STONE is an eco-friendly journalist who nourishes her traditional habit of nature and horticulture. Her love of the land and passion for teaching at the local community college and at senior retirement centers fills her time. She is always searching for new methods of improving the environment, growing food to benefit people, domestic animals, and wildlife. She is an author and Master Gardener in North Carolina, teaching others how to farm sensibly, making life easier and fulfilling, and admits she will always stay young-at-heart, just like her grandchildren.
Originally published in the March/April 2025 digital issue of Goat Journal
