Many of us choose to share our homes with pets, and for good reasons. Studies have shown that owning a pet helps people socialize, increases their activity levels, and improves their mood. Pets also can lower an owner's blood pressure and decrease depression, stress, and anxiety. 

However, owning a pet can increase your risk of falling. Here are some tips to keep you from literally going head-over-heels for your pet:

• Don’t step over pets on the floor – make them move.
• Keep pet toys and supplies out of walkways.
• Check around you to see where your pets are before walking, especially on steps and near doorways.
• Use nightlights to help you see your pets in the dark.
• Put a collar with a bell on your pet so that you can hear when it is near.
• Train your pets not to jump up on you or others while you are standing.
• If your pet is large or powerful enough to push or pull you over, ask for help walking it or consider obedience classes to teach proper leash behavior.
• Make sure your pet gets an appropriate amount of exercise; this will help it behave at home.
• Keep water and food bowls out of walkways and clean up spills immediately.