CowpanionCalf Pneumonia and Coughs: Early Signs to Watch
Updated: November 4, 2026
Respiratory disease is the second big risk for calves, especially after a move or at weaning. Calves hide illness, so small changes matter.
Early signs
Calves hide illness. Look for small changes: a calf that's slow to come for its bottle, droopy ears, a runny nose or eyes, a cough, fast or labored breathing, or a fever.
- Take the temperature when anything looks off. A fever is often the first sign.
- Good ventilation without drafts is the best prevention.
What to do
Call your vet early. Pneumonia usually needs prescription treatment, and early treatment works much better. Log the treatment and its withdrawal period in Cowpanion.
Call your vet if
- Fever over 39.7 °C (103.5 °F).
- Fast or open-mouth breathing.
- The calf stops eating.
Keep it all in Cowpanion
Log temperatures, treatments and withdrawal periods in Cowpanion so you always know what each calf received and when.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Always follow product labels and call your vet when an animal is sick.
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