What tool is essential for administering medications to goats?

The most essential tool for administering medications to goats is the drench gun. A drench gun allows for the precise delivery of liquid medications directly into the goat's throat, ensuring that the animal receives the full dose. This method is particularly effective for administering dewormers, vitamins, electrolytes, or other liquid treatments that need to be given in a controlled manner.

While syringes are also useful and often used for vaccinations or injectable medications, they are not typically used for oral administration, which is a common method for treating various conditions in goats. A stethoscope is important for diagnosing health issues but does not administer medications, and a scalpel is primarily a surgical tool unrelated to the routine treatment of goats. Thus, the drench gun is critical for the targeted and efficient delivery of oral medications.