Kennel Cough?

My 8 year old male Maltese has been showing symptoms of what seems to be Kennel Cough, however my assumptions are based on an hour's worth of internet research. I haven't visited the vet yet due to financial reasons.

I came across TWO youtube clips of two different dogs showing likewise symptoms that my maltese has been showing lately. It's been happening for about a week now. However, my other family members tell me they have seen the dog dry, hacking cough a couple of times before.

Here are the TWO youtube links that are very similar to my dog's symptoms.
Please, please, please take a look, I am so worried.

Link 1:
Title: Baxter with possible kennel cough?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=COvPKvoAz_c

Link 2:
Title: What is wrong with my dog????
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rm_oU1rZvuI

Could you please give me some help on a possible diagnosis for my dog?
If it happens to look like Kennel Cough, can it be treated with medication?
How much does treatment costs usually?
Can Kennel Cough be treated WITHOUT medication? If so, how long does it take for full recovery.
Etc,etc,etc.

Any information would help. Please be as detailed as possible.

I am SO worried... Please, anyone help.

[peekawho]

Has your dog been vaccinated against it?  Has your dog been around other dogs who might have exposed him?

You can't tell by watching youtube if its kennel cough or not.  An older dog can have heart problems that can also cause similar coughing.  

If it doesn't go away on its own shortly, or if he gets sicker, he needs to see a vet regardless.

[cindy82]

thats what i thought my bulldog had. i carried him to the vet and come to find out it wasnt Kennel Cough it was heartworms causing the cough. i was getting his heartworm meds from petmeds(dont EVERbuy from them) they will not pay for the dogs treatments if its not from the vet. heartworm treatment is very expensive. if you love your dog get him to the vet asap. im not saying it is heartworms, im no doc, but the sooner treated the more chance it will have to be ok. good luck