Our husky had a severe cough and I'm not sure why...?

My boyfriend and I live together and his husky has developed a severe cough and sounds very congested. He sounds awful and I feel so bad for him. My boyfriend tells me its because he's blowing his coat and he licks himself causing hair. I haven't been able to find anything supporting that theory online ANYWHERE. He doesn't cough up any hair, he doesn't cough up anything besides saliva. I was wondering if anyone knows if it could in fact be from hair or what else it might be? He has had this cough for months and I just can't convince my boyfriend to take him to the vet. Advice is much needed. =]