While cats and dogs are commonly thought of as being completely different, you may be surprised to learn that when it comes to pet care, they actually benefit from many of the same things, such as annual vet visits and flea control measures. The veterinarians and animal care staff at Mililani Town Center Pet Clinic in Hawaii have been providing superior-quality care to dogs and cats for nearly 30 years.

Here, they offer four pet care tips that apply to both dogs and cats:

• Get Your Pet Vaccinated: When you visit Mililani Town Center Pet Clinic for the first time, your veterinarian will recommend the best vaccination schedule for your pet. The first inoculation often covers several illnesses at once and needs to be followed by a series of booster shots every few weeks. The exact regimen will vary with your pet's species and age.

• Spay/Neuter Your Animal: Stray animals are a problem across the U.S., and that includes Hawaii. As a responsible pet owner, you can control population growth by spaying or neutering your pet. Not only will that cut down on unwanted animals, but it will also prevent destructive behaviors and will even protect your pet from certain diseases.

  

• Microchip Your Pet: Accidents happen, and even the most well cared for pets can escape or get lost. Make sure yours can be identified easily with both an ID tag and a microchip. An ID tag is essential so that someone who finds your pet can easily return it. If your pet's collar accidentally comes off, a microchip containing your information can be scanned at many veterinary clinics and animal shelters.

• Keep Up With Parasites: No pet care routine  is complete without adequate parasite control. Fleas are the most common, affecting both cats and dogs, but other troublesome parasites include ticks, heartworm (in dogs), ear mites, and tapeworms. You can find OTC parasite control measures in many pet shops, or you can ask your vet for a recommendation.

To give your beloved furry friend the best pet care available, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian at Mililani Town Center Pet Clinic by calling (808) 625-6744 or by visiting them online.