Boxer fearful of thunderstorms

Question
Dr. Fry,
We have an 8 year old female boxer who is becoming more and more fearful of thunder.  Though we try our best to comfort her, she trembles and pants for some time after the storms pass. Nothing verbally seems to work.  She has a diagnosed heart murmur, since birth, which is an added concerm for us.  Do you have any suggestions for keeping her calm?

Answer
RESCUE REMEDY may help.

NUTRICALM, a dog herbal supplement, may help as well www.rxvitamins.com but you would have to have your vet authorize it.

You could try Benadryl, 50 mg, to see if that would help calm her down.

And often, I end up prescribing Valium to these dogs if the above doesn't work.  

FYI...Just in case vet would prescribe Ace....DO NOT GIVE HER ACEPROMAZINE, which is a common dog sedative, as Boxers can not tolerate it.