What can be given to help with a dogs cough as in household medications?

Nothing - a chronic cough tends to be noninfectious. However, if the coughing is relatively new, is getting worse or the dog is starting to cough and then swallow something, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian for an examination. Causes of chronic coughing can include cancer (particularly in older dogs), chronic infection, sterile bronchitis and anatomic malformations.