Depending on your pet’s species, breed, age and overall health, your veterinarian can tailor your buddy’s schedule for wellness visits. The next time you get a reminder for one of these checkups, take a moment to reflect on what a wise investment it is.

One reason for wellness visits is disease prevention — like staying current on vaccinations and antiparasitic medications.

Another benefit is the physical exam, which gives your veterinarian a chance to detect abnormalities as soon as possible when they’re easiest to treat.

Either way, wellness exams can save expenses and distress down the line by preventing disease or catching it early on.

Or — to put a new spin on a cliché — an ounce of prevention may be worth much more than a pound of cure.