You may not be familiar with tracheobronchitis, but chances are you have heard of kennel cough or canine cough. All three names refer to a highly contagious upper-respiratory disease of dogs spread by airborne virus. The major symptom is a gagging cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge. The disease isn't life-threatening, but it can be annoying and even frightening. As with any disease, it lowers a dog's resistance, leaving the animal more susceptible to secondary infections. Treatment for canine cough, which lasts from a few days to several weeks, may include antibiotics to ward off secondary infections and cough suppressants. Vaccinations can protect your dog from contracting the disease.

Your pet is your friend, so make sure you take care of him when he appears sick or injured, or bring him in to DOW ANIMAL CARECENTER. We offer complete hospital services here at 44 Main St., Rt. 3 in Duxbury, and if you care for your animal, we have animal care for you. We're open 7 days a week from 7am to llpm. Please phone 934- 0044.