Looking to save on veterinary care? Prevention is the key, and it begins at home.

Obesity is the biggest risk factor for debilitating and often expensive-to-treat conditions such as arthritis, skin problems and diabetes. So keep your friend fit and trim with proper diet and exercise.

Don’t skip routine veterinary visits. When problems are found early, they’re usually more treatable and less costly.

Make dental hygiene a priority, so that gum problems don’t lead to heart or kidney disease. To save on emergency visits, poison-proof your home so your pet cannot get to toxic plants, household chemicals or human medications. And always supervise your pet outdoors to avoid injuries inflicted by other animals or traffic.

Remember, the best way to keep both your pet and pocketbook healthy is to practice preventive medicine.