The hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving is a part of the tradition for many families. But in the commotion, it's important to keep safety in mind for our four-legged family members. Our Glencoe Veterinary Clinic veterinary staff offers these Thanksgiving safety tips to help you all have a safe and special holiday!

We hear about food safety for ourselves on a regular basis. Cook this food to this temperature, throw away that food after a certain period of time and so on. But what about our pet's food? September is National Food Safety Education Month, and Glencoe Veterinary Clinic has several suggestions to keep in mind as you prepare your furry friend's daily meals.

Things to look for in a dry or wet food for your pet include natural preservatives, including Vitamins C and E, or preservative free; human-grade ingredients; and made in the United States. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) makes sure all ingredients used in pet foods are safe and have an appropriate function in the food. They recommend purchasing products in good condition without signs of damage to the packaging such as dents or tears.

Pet owners believe that their lives are enriched by owning a pet, but did you know even the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that having a pet is good for you? Pet ownership and companionship can prevent you from feeling lonely, give you more opportunities for socialization, and give you a sense of love and pride from taking such good care of your pet. In fact, just petting your dog or cat can immediately lower your stress level!