One concern in animal care is prescription drugs for humans that may be lying around on a counter or in an improperly closed case or bottle. Ingesting pain and heart medications, as well as antidepressants, can cause severe health issues among pets.
Other items of concern are dog shampoos and flea/tick treatments for cats and dogs. Whatever the substance, it makes sense to thoroughly wash off any potentially toxic chemical application thoroughly with water after its primary use is fulfilled. Keep in mind that if synthetic preservatives, ethanolamines, and sulfates can be problematic in human shampoo, the effect is potentially more serious with dogs and cats, as they naturally lick themselves while grooming.
In addition, containers of mouse and rat poisons as well as pesticides must be sealed carefully and kept away from pets. Food consumed by humans can also be problematic, with grapes, raisins, chocolate, coffee grounds, and candy or gum sweetened with xylitol potentially triggering serious allergic reactions.
The bottom line is that having a pet around the home means extra precautions should be taken, which means securing food and common household items that can be dangerous in enclosed, inaccessible locations.