Store space heater when they're not in use. Do not let your pet learn to trust a cool heater. The next time the animal approaches, it may get burned. 

Screen fireplaces to shield pets that curl up beside them from sparks.

Put mesh covering on electric fans to keep curious noses and paws away.

Don't leave sewing supplies lying around. Frequently a pet will start to play with thread and end up swallowing a needle. NEVER pull on a thread that's dangling from your pet's mouth. If a needle is swallowed, you can do major damage to your pet by trying to pull on it. Call your vet immediately.

Watch for dropped rubber bands and broken balloon pieces around the house, some animals find these things intriguing and may swallow them. They can get lodged in their throats or cause intestinal blockage.

Dishes soaking in a sink of hot, sudsy water may result in serious burns for an inquisitive cat or detergent poisoning for a thirsty one.

"If is smells, eat it" is the golden rule among pets, especially dogs. They not only get sick when they eat spoiled food and garbage, but they can also choke on scraps of tinfoil, cellophane, etc.  Bones from fish, chicken and other foods can perforate a pet's intestines or become lodged in their throats. Be sure all your garbage is stored in pet-proof containers, inside and outside the house.

If you use automatic toilet-bowl cleaners, keep toilet lids down to be sure your pet doesn't drink from the bowl.

Both dogs and cats munch grass from time to time, but serious illness can be the consequence if your lawn has been treated with chemicals. Also, insecticide that you pet ingests when it licks it's paws after an outdoor romp is no less toxic than if it were drunk from the container. If your lawn is cared for by professionals, be certain that they know you have a pet.

Many common garden plants are poisonous when pets eat them, including azaleas, oleander, rhododendrons, daffodils and even buttercups. Be sure to look into all aspects of a plant before planting them in your garden. 

Antifreeze, battery acid and paint remover are three common and particularly poisonous substances that seem to smell appetizing to pets. Store all three in tight containers out of your pet's reach and be sure to do a thorough cleanup after you finish working with any of them. Antifreeze puddles on driveways or in garages cause the deaths of numerous pets annually.

Keep tackle boxes closed and latched. Bright lures, hooks and fishing line can attract cats as well as fish.

Don't allow pet birds in the kitchen. Heat, open containers of hot water (on the stove or sink) and smoke can all be health threats.

Cover all glass, especially mirrors, if your bird is permitted outside it's cage. Birds sometimes assume windows and mirrors are open spaces and fly into them.

Don't spray fishbowls or aquariums, even on the outside, with glass cleaner that contains ammonium. Vapors can rise and settle back into the bowl or tank, poisoning your fish. Instead, spray the clean on a cloth well away from the water, and then wipe the glass clean.

Don't put tap water directly into your aquarium or fishbowl. The chlorine in it can be deadly to fish. Purchase dechlorinating pellets or allow water to sit overnight before adding it to your fish tank. Also, beware of water that's artificially softened. Its salt content may be exceptionally high.

Take care when using a household spray or insecticide. Remove birds from the room and cover your aquarium with plastic or some other nonpermeable material until all the spray has settled.