What’s good for one animal can be disastrous for another, and it’s not always clear why.

For example, fipronil [FIP-rō-nill] is a drug that kills fleas, ticks and other bugs. While it works great for dogs and cats, it can be deadly to rabbits. Over the past 13 years, the Animal Poison Control Center has logged over 75 cases of fipronil poisoning in rabbits, with over 25 percent of them resulting in the pet’s death.

We don’t know why fipronil is so toxic to rabbits, but the signs are unmistakable. From drooling and digestive upset to shaking and seizures, results of exposure can be fatal. Effects are insidious, with seizures sometimes taking a week or more to develop.

So when it comes to treating your pet, be sure you always read the fine print.