Many people—including some dog owners—are unenthusiastic about the idea of clothes designed for dogs, believing that they’re unnecessary and even a little foolish. The truth is, temperature extremes can be even more uncomfortable for dogs than they are for people, so it’s important for owners to understand this and invest in the necessary safety apparel.

Items like dog shoes and leg wraps are useful for a wide range of reasons, and investing in these items can save you money in the long run, too, by preventing injuries and reducing the need for vet visits. If you have insurance, protecting your dog’s health and safety with shoes and items of apparel probably won’t reduce your pet insurance premiums directly, but if it means you’re not visiting the vet as often it can reduce the annual sum you pay out of pocket in deductible or co-payments. And more importantly, these items help protect your dog’s health and happiness.