Live Chat with Dr. Melinda Merck

Sick
1 Reply

I had a stray puppy show up at our house this weekend and he breathes really funny almost like he is having trouble breathing. What do you think could be wrong with him?

Started by Jason. Last reply by Kelly Apr 30.

sick
1 Reply

my aunts dog is acting really weird,because its like its hard for her to walk,and its like she doesnt want to lay or sit down.and when i just tried to hug her,she yelped.

Started by austin. Last reply by austin Mar 23.

Question

Is Aspirin a safe pain relief medicine to give a cat?

Started by suzy Mar 14

hoarding
2 Replies

My daughter and son in law have spent a consideral amount of time regarding a hoarding/cruellty case in the Town of Ulster near Kingston N.Y. 79 animals were taken from a residence there, the owner... Continue

Started by Jon MacDowell. Last reply by peacecindia Apr 25.

Giardia

my dog has Giardia and i am really worried can my dog die from Giardia. I just bought him a couple a weeks ago he is very loved and im so scared that he can die from it. i took him to the doctor an... Continue

Started by Jessica Jan 5

My puppy is sick. HELP!!
2 Replies

My 5 month old american bulldog mix was fine until like 1 or 2 days ago. She wont eat and she eat some grass and threw it back up. Her sister Tessa has been like this for 3 or 4 days now. And they ... Continue

Started by Jessica. Last reply by Kelly Apr 30.

differnences in veternarians
1 Reply

what is a Forensics Veterinarian? and what's the difference between a forsensics veterinarian and other veterinarians? Thank You for all your help, and thank you for doing this today.

Started by Sabrina. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.

No questions -- just a thank you
1 Reply

Just wanted to send hearfelt thank you for the important, and I am sure difficult, work that you are doing. Will enjoy reading the answers to the many questions already posted on here. J.F. Broen ... Continue

Started by J. F. Broen. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.

Vet or animal cop?
1 Reply

Hi, I am actually working on my biology degree, with a veterinarian medicine concentration. I am wondering what type of education or experience I would need if I decided to become an ASPCA animal c... Continue

Started by Tiffany. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.

Live Chat with Dr. Melinda Merck
1 Reply

Hi Dr. Merck, I'm a great fan of your profession, but the details of what you do are still kind of a mystery to me. How can I explain to elementary aged kids what you do? Thank you!

Started by Michele Farbman. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.

Types of Animal Cruelty
1 Reply

What kind of cases do you see the most in your profession? What are some typical motivations for animal cruelty?

Started by Bill. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.

indoor playing and ashthma.
1 Reply

I was wondering how u can play with your 80lb dog indoors? also, I have asthma too, and sometimes use an inhaler, is there something similar for dogs? like asthma medicine, or something that has th... Continue

Started by Sabrina. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.

Michael Vick Investigation
1 Reply

Hi, I remember reading on the ASPCA website that you were involved in the Michael Vick case. What was your role, did you deal with dogs that died from dog fights he was involved in? Allegedly invol... Continue

Started by Max Zander. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.

Forensic Science
1 Reply

Why isn't it proven that a dog beaten in the head with a fist shows signs of cautious behavior not considered. When in fact recognized by it's owner in the change of behavior used as evidence.

Started by Pamela J. Bleakley. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.

Tools of the Trade
1 Reply

Hi Dr. Merck, this was my sample question in the blurb above, but I really do want to know - What are the tools/instruments you always have on you when you're at a crime scene? Thanks! This is su... Continue

Started by Elyse Orecchio. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.

Helping rescue in Atlanta
2 Replies

Greetings, I live just outside Atlanta in Smyrna and I have for years wanted to get involved in rescuing animals that are abused or neglected. There is no SPCA in Atlanta (or Georgia) as far as I ... Continue

Started by Elizabeth. Last reply by Elizabeth Oct. 26, 2007.

Tougher sentences for cruelty
1 Reply

Dr. Merck, Do you think that the Western world will ever see a day when sentences for convicted criminals charged with animal cruelty will be harsher? As another post said (re: "kitten kicker") so... Continue

Tagged: animal, legal, cruelty, maximim, system

Started by Christine Rangel. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.

Public Opinion
1 Reply

First of all thank you for the work you do and taking the time to participate in this chat! As an apprentice dog trainer growing up as a teen, I became all too aware of how "bad" canine behavior i... Continue

Started by Vern. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.

forensic evidence
1 Reply

What kind of evidence do you find? what evidence do you use to prove a case of animal cruelty? Hoarding? Could you give us some examples?

Started by Anito. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.

What is the best part of your job?
1 Reply

I'd like to know the best part of your job. I know contributing to the safety and welfare of the animals plays a huge part, but what is it about the job that drives you to continues working in this... Continue

Started by Lisa D.. Last reply by Dr. Melinda Merck Oct. 26, 2007.