sedative for male dog

Question
we have 2 springer spaniels, 1 male and 1 female. The dog is not neutered and my vet advised me to let the bitch have her first season before she was spayed. it has been relatively plain sailing for the last 2 weeks and we have kept both dogs separated however for the last 2 days the male dog is going demented and is howling and desperate to get to the bitch. is there anything we can give him that may calm him down whilst she is on heat.

Answer
It is always better to spay the bitch BEFORE her first season as it cuts down the incidence of mammary cancer by something like 85%. I cannot imagine what your vet was thinking! Apparently he has not spent a lot of time around intact males and females. For that faux pas he should board your male for FREE!

There is not much you can do now but wait it out. Sometimes giving the bitch chlorophyll tablets helps, but that has to be started as soon as she begins to come into heat; it is too late now. Try to find a family member or friend who will take the male for a week or so; otherwise, your best bet is to board him somewhere. You could try crating him at the far end of the house with the door closed and a radio or TV running, but most likely it won't help too much.

I would look for another vet if I were you.