Kennel cough treatment

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for future reference?
Very occasionally we have had to put Rod in kennels and for this he has required immunisation against kennel cough - in case anyone is not already aware, this treatment is administered by the vet up the poor dog's nostril....obviously an unpleasant and alarming sensation.
The first year Rod had it, it was done very quickly before he even realised what was happening. Same again the second year.
However, this year was very distressing - he obviously knew what was coming and struggled.
The vet then suggested putting a towel over his head in order to calm him and so that he could not see her approach him - I had reservations about this but we tried it - it made him worse, he struggled more but in panic, not aggression (I should point out here that he is the most sweet natured dog I have ever known and has never ever displayed aggression towards anyone).
She then insisted he had a muzzle put on before she could continue - and finally the treatment was given.
Obviously not a nice experience for poor Rod, and very unpleasant for me also - just seeing him having to be muzzled, which he has never been before, and seeing him so distressed.
The vet said that in future, "now that he is head shy" he will require sedation before having this treatment again.
Has anyone had any better experiences of this?!

Sorry I haven't at all, but I certainly wouldn't sedate a dog to administer it.....time to find another vet!

Definitely get a new vet!

Head shy? Who the hell made him head shy in the first place?

Will he be going back into kennels?

Poor thing, agree change vets!

Caryll wrote:Definitely get a new vet!

Head shy? Who the hell made him head shy in the first place?

Will he be going back into kennels?

Hi Caryll - yes, unfortunately there is the odd occasion that Rod has to stay at kennels.
I say unfortunately only because I hate to be parted from him....we are lucky in that we have excellent kennels nearby where he is very well cared for....and also unfortunately because that means that he needs to continue having the immunisation!