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Meridian Animal Care Center and Riverbirch Animal Care Center

5010 Poplar Springs Dr

Meridian, MS 39305 US

601-693-3940

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  • Dogs

two puppies playing

Select your new dog with your lifestyle and living situation in mind. In addition to your new family member's personality, consider its temperament, size, and coat as well. Some breeds have traits that may be objectionable in certain circumstances, such as hyper excitability or a tendency to bark. Your veterinarian is a valuable resource and should be consulted before you acquire a pet of any kind.

Breed Selection

There are two types of dogs--purebred and mixed breed. The 124 recognized breeds are grouped into seven categories: hound, working, terrier, toy, sporting, non-sporting, and herding. There are thousands of mixed-breed combinations. Each purebred or mixed-breed dog has a unique personality. Dogs originally bred for a specific purpose tend to retain these characteristics. These dogs may require additional training and patience. Selecting a specific breed does not guarantee a particular behavior, but choosing offspring from animals with desirable temperaments does increase one's chances of getting the best pet. Mixed breeds can be as beautiful, intelligent, loving, and companionable as purebreds.Veterinarians, breed-specific books (usually available at libraries and pet stores), and dog shows are excellent sources of information about individual breed characteristics and needs.

Friend or Protector?

Most dogs, even tiny ones, bark when strangers approach their home or yard. This bark is usually enough to deter intruders. A pet should not be trained as an attack dog. Attack-trained dogs require special handling and knowledge to prevent accidental injury to people, including members of your own family.

  • Selecting a Puppy or Older Dog
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Dogs

    Selecting A Puppy A new puppy can be a terrific addition to a family, but with the fun comes responsibility for its care and well-being. Consider and prepare for your puppy's needs before you adopt! Pick a puppy that is active, friendly, and inquisitive. Avoid the one that appears to be afraid of everything

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      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
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5:30 pm

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Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

    March Newsletter: Care Tips for Your Pocket Pets

    Do you follow these pocket pet care guidelines? ...

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    March Newsletter: First Time Pet Owner? Here's What You Need to Know

    Bring a pet home soon? Take a look a few things you should know. ...

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    Caring for Your Older Pet

    Many of the same problems that affect people as they age, such as arthritis and diabetes, can also affect your pet. Making a few changes to the way you care for your furry friend will help you ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy as the years go by. Look for Common Signs of Illness Changes ...

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    February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean

    Looking for an explanation for your cat's strange behaviors? ...

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    February Newsletter: Where to Start When Training Your Puppy

    Is your puppy ready to be trained? ...

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    January Newsletter: National Bird Day

    Got any plans for National Bird Day? ...

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    January Newsletter: Don't Forget to Vaccinate Your Pets this Year

    Is pet vaccinated? ...

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    December Newsletter: Cold Weather Tips for Your Pets

    Are your pets ready for winter weather? ...

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    December Newsletter: Pets and the Holidays: What to Know before Feeding Your Pet Table Scraps

    Could holiday table scraps cause health woes for your pets? ...

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    November Newsletter: How arthritis can affect your pet

    Could your pet have arthritis? ...

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