PetSmart Recalls Top Paw Double Diner Dog Bowls Due to Laceration Hazard

What was recalled

In the quiet aisles of many PetSmart stores, a specific product has drawn the attention of safety regulators and concerned pet owners alike. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall on September 1, 2021, targeting the Top Paw Double Diner Dog Bowl. This is not a vague or broad warning; it applies to a very precise item that many dog owners likely purchased for their pets’ comfort and convenience. The product in question consists of a set of two metal dog food bowls designed to be elevated off the ground. These bowls are held in place by a metal base, which is surrounded by a plastic gasket. This design was intended to help dogs eat at a more natural height, potentially reducing strain on their necks and backs, but it has led to a serious safety concern.

If you are trying to identify whether you have this specific recalled item, look closely at the product itself. The dog bowls feature a distinctive dog paw print on the front of each bowl, which is part of the Top Paw branding. However, the most critical identifiers are found on the underside of the product. You need to look for a sticker located on the underside wall of the product, near the embossed paw print. This sticker contains the specific codes that confirm whether your item is part of this recall. The SKU number for these recalled bowls is 5270098, and the UPC number is 737257754041. If your product does not match these exact numbers, it is likely not part of this specific safety alert, but it is always wise to double-check.

This recall was initiated because PetSmart received reports indicating a defect in the construction of these bowls. Specifically, the plastic gasket that surrounds the metal base can come off. When this happens, the edge of the bowl or base becomes unfinished and sharp. While the product was sold with the intention of providing a durable and elevated feeding station for dogs, the failure of the gasket has created a risk for the humans handling them. PetSmart has received three reports of consumers sustaining cuts and scratches to their hands while handling the bowls, specifically due to contact with these unfinished edges. It is important to note that while the product was marketed through PetSmart, the safety issue lies in the manufacturing of the Top Paw brand line. If you purchased this item recently or even a few years ago, it is worth checking your storage areas for this specific SKU and UPC.

The scope of this recall is limited to the Top Paw Double Diner Dog Bowl with the specific identifiers mentioned above. It does not include other elevating stands or bowls from different brands, nor does it include non-elevated versions of the Top Paw bowls. The issue is strictly tied to the combination of the metal base, the plastic gasket, and the specific model numbers provided. PetSmart has worked with the CPSC to ensure that consumers who purchased this item are aware of the potential hazard. If you have this product in your home, even if it has been sitting unused for a while, the defect remains present. The gasket can detach at any time during handling, posing a laceration risk not just to pets, but primarily to the people feeding them. Therefore, identifying the correct SKU and UPC is the first step in ensuring your household’s safety.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, the Top Paw Double Diner Dog Bowl appears to be a sturdy and convenient piece of equipment for pet owners. It is designed with two elevated metal bowls set within a base that is surrounded by a plastic gasket, intended to keep food and water off the floor while promoting better posture for your dog. However, the very feature meant to provide stability and structure—the plastic gasket surrounding the base—is also the source of the danger. The core issue lies in how this gasket is attached to the bottom of the bowls. Over time, or potentially due to a manufacturing defect, the bond holding the gasket in place can fail, causing it to detach or come off entirely.

When the gasket separates from the base, it leaves behind an unfinished, exposed edge on the underside of the product. This is not merely a cosmetic flaw; it creates a physical hazard that is easily overlooked until it causes harm. Metal bowls often have sharp edges where the material is cut or stamped during manufacturing. When the smooth plastic cover is intact, these edges are hidden and safe to touch. But once the gasket falls away, those raw metal surfaces become exposed. This creates what safety experts call a "laceration hazard," meaning the object now has the potential to cut skin deeply.

The risk materializes during normal use. Pet owners typically pick up these bowls to refill them with food or water, or to move them for cleaning. In doing so, you are likely to place your hands under the base to support its weight or grip it from the sides. If the gasket has detached, your fingers can easily slide into the gap between the metal bowl and the base, coming into direct contact with the sharp, unfinished edge. It only takes a slight slip or a moment of adjusting your grip for that exposed metal to slice into your skin.

This is not just a theoretical risk. The recall records confirm that this mechanism has already caused real injuries. PetSmart has received three specific reports of consumers suffering cuts and scratches to their hands as a direct result of handling the unfinished edges on these recalled bowls. While the number of reported incidents may seem small, lacerations from sharp metal edges can be surprisingly severe. They often require stitches, carry a risk of infection if not cleaned properly, and can significantly disrupt daily life. The hazard is particularly insidious because it is hidden; you might not realize your bowl is dangerous until you actually get hurt. Understanding that the gasket is the critical safety component helps explain why stopping use immediately is so important.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk consists of the pet owners who handle these bowls daily for feeding and cleaning. While the Top Paw Double Diner Dog Bowls are designed to make mealtime easier by elevating food to a comfortable height, the specific design flaw creates a hidden danger during routine maintenance. The hazard lies in the plastic gasket that surrounds the metal base. When this gasket detaches from the bottom, it leaves behind an unfinished, sharp edge on the metal frame. This means that every time a owner picks up the bowl to fill it with kibble or water, or more critically, when they take it to the sink for washing, their hands are in direct contact with a potential cutting surface. The risk is not just theoretical; PetSmart has already documented three separate incidents where consumers suffered cuts and scratches from handling these unfinished edges. This confirms that the danger is active and present during normal use.

While any adult hand can be cut by a sharp metal edge, certain individuals are more vulnerable to this specific type of injury due to physical fragility or dexterity challenges. Older adults, in particular, may face heightened risks for several reasons. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses some of its natural elasticity and protective cushioning. A scratch that might merely sting a younger person’s hand can result in a deeper laceration or a wound that takes significantly longer to heal in an older adult. Furthermore, conditions like arthritis can make gripping the smooth metal bowls more difficult. When hands slip while trying to stabilize the elevated bowl, there is a greater likelihood that fingers will slide directly onto the exposed, sharp rim of the detached gasket, increasing the severity of the cut.

Additionally, individuals with reduced sensation in their hands, such as those with diabetes-related neuropathy or other nerve conditions, are at risk. They may not immediately feel the initial snag or cut until significant damage has already occurred. For caregivers who assist elderly relatives with pet care, this risk is compounded by the repetitive nature of the task. Lifting heavy metal bowls filled with food and water repeatedly throughout the day increases the frequency of exposure to the hazard. Even for younger, able-bodied adults, the frustration of dealing with multiple lacerations from a product meant to help rather than hinder can lead to accidental drops of hot water or heavy bowls, creating secondary safety issues like burns or tripping hazards. Therefore, the vulnerability extends beyond just the severity of the cut to the cumulative effect of handling a defective product daily.

It is also important to note that while pets are not directly injured by the gasket detachment in the reported incidents, the instability of the bowl can pose an indirect risk. If the base is compromised or if the owner is distracted by their own injuries, they may handle the bowl less carefully, potentially causing it to tip over and spill food or water, which could create slipping hazards for both humans and pets in the home environment.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you recently purchased a set of elevated dog bowls from PetSmart, it is important to verify whether your specific product is part of this recall before taking any further action. The recall focuses on the "Top Paw Double Diner Dog Bowl," a set that includes two metal food bowls designed to sit at an elevated height. To determine if your item matches the recalled description, you need to look for several distinct visual and physical characteristics that define this specific product line.

First, examine the construction of the base. The recalled items feature a metal base that holds the bowls up off the ground. Surrounding this metal structure is a plastic gasket that encircles the entire unit. This gasket is a critical component because it is the part that may detach, leaving behind an unfinished edge. Visually, you should also look at the front of the metal bowls themselves. The recalled units are embossed with a dog paw print on the front of each bowl, serving as both a design element and a brand identifier.

The most reliable way to confirm if your product is affected is by checking the identification stickers located on the underside of the unit. PetSmart places these labels on the underside wall of the product, positioned near the embossed paw print mentioned above. You need to look closely for two specific numbers printed on this sticker: the SKU number and the UPC number. The recalled items will have an SKU number of 5270098 and a UPC number of 737257754041. If your product has these exact codes, it is part of the recall. It is worth noting that if you cannot find these numbers or if they do not match exactly, your item may not be affected, but if you are unsure, it is always safer to assume it might be and contact PetSmart for clarification.

Additionally, consider where and when you purchased the bowls. This recall applies to products sold at PetSmart stores. While the recall notice does not specify a wide range of retail locations or third-party sellers, it specifically names PetSmart as the retailer involved. If you bought these elevated double diner bowls directly from a PetSmart location, your chances of having the recalled item are higher than if you purchased them from a different vendor. However, the definitive proof will always be the combination of the visual features (metal base with plastic gasket, paw print embossing) and the specific SKU/UPC codes on the underside label.

If you locate the sticker but the numbers do not match 5270098 for the SKU or 737257754041 for the UPC, your product is likely not part of this specific safety notice. However, given that the hazard involves a physical defect that can occur over time or during manufacturing, if you have any doubt about the integrity of the gasket or the finish of the edges, it is prudent to exercise caution. Do not rely solely on memory of the purchase date; the physical identifiers are your primary tools for accurate identification.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that your Top Paw Double Diner Dog Bowl is part of this recall, the good news is that the remedy provided by PetSmart is straightforward and entirely focused on giving your money back. Unlike some recalls that might offer a partial credit or require you to mail the item back at your own expense, this specific situation offers a full refund. The company has made the decision to prioritize consumer convenience and safety by allowing you to simply return the product to any of their physical store locations. This approach removes the friction often associated with online returns, such as finding a box, printing a shipping label, or waiting for a bank transaction to process. Instead, you can walk into a store, speak with a team member, and have the issue resolved on the spot.

To initiate this process, you will need to bring the recalled dog bowls to any PetSmart store near you. It is important to note that while the recall does not explicitly state that you must have your original receipt, having it can certainly speed up the transaction. However, even without it, the store should be able to locate the sale in their system using the SKU number 5270098 or the UPC number 737257754041, which are printed on a sticker on the underside wall of the product. These numbers are your best friends here; if you have lost the packaging, the sticker remains on the base and serves as definitive proof that this is the specific model subject to the laceration hazard.

If for some reason you cannot make it to a physical store, or if you prefer to handle the communication online first, PetSmart has established specific digital channels for your inquiry. You can visit their main website at www.petsmart.com and scroll to the very bottom of the page to find the dedicated "Recalls" section. This area is designed to centralize information for affected customers. Alternatively, you can navigate directly to their customer support portal at www.petsmart.com/account/contact. These online routes are useful if you need to confirm store inventory or get clarity on the process before making a trip.

You may also prefer to speak with a representative directly over the phone. PetSmart has set up a toll-free line specifically for these inquiries, available at 888-839-9638. It is helpful to know their operating hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, so you can plan your call accordingly to ensure you reach a live agent who can guide you through the next steps. Whether you choose to go in person or call, the goal remains the same: to remove the hazardous item from your home and restore your peace of mind without financial loss.

The reason for this generous refund policy lies in the nature of the defect. The gasket on the bottom of these elevated bowls can come off, leaving an unfinished metal edge that poses a serious risk of laceration to both pets and the humans handling them. Because the defect is structural and potentially dangerous, PetSmart does not offer a repair kit or a replacement part. The only safe option is to replace the entire unit with a non-recalled product. By providing a full refund, they are effectively saying that the item, as it exists now, cannot be made safe for you to keep. This is a critical distinction; do not attempt to glue or tape the gasket back on yourself, as this would not address the underlying manufacturing flaw and could still leave sharp edges exposed.

When you go to return the item, simply explain that you have a Top Paw Double Diner Dog Bowl from the September 2021 recall. The staff will process your refund immediately. This is not a gift card or store credit; it is a full reimbursement of your original purchase price. This policy ensures that you are not penalized for a defect you did not cause and allows you to redirect those funds toward a different, safer feeding solution for your dog. Taking this step promptly is the best way to protect your family and your pet from the reported cuts and scratches associated with these bowls.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to overlook a minor defect in everyday household items, especially when the product appears functional and sturdy at first glance. However, ignoring the recall notice for the Top Paw Double Diner Dog Bowls carries tangible risks that extend beyond simple inconvenience. The core issue lies in the structural integrity of the plastic gasket surrounding the metal base. When this gasket detaches or degrades over time, it leaves behind an unfinished, rough edge on the metal frame. This is not merely a cosmetic flaw; it creates a sharp, exposed surface that can easily slice through skin. By continuing to use these bowls after the recall announcement, you are essentially handling a potential cutting tool without realizing it.

The consequences of ignoring this hazard are grounded in real-world reports already documented by PetSmart. There have been three confirmed incidents where consumers suffered cuts and scratches to their hands while interacting with these specific bowls. These injuries likely occurred during routine activities such as filling the bowls with water, scooping dry food, or simply lifting the unit to clean it. The danger is particularly acute because dog owners often handle these elevated feeders frequently throughout the day. A quick, careless grip on the unfinished edge can result in a laceration that requires cleaning, bandaging, and potentially medical attention if the cut is deep enough to hit a tendon or vein.

Beyond the immediate physical pain of a cut, there are secondary risks associated with ignoring this recall. Open wounds from metal edges are more susceptible to infection, especially in a kitchen or feeding area where bacteria may be present. Furthermore, dealing with injuries disrupts your daily routine and adds unnecessary stress to pet care responsibilities. While the recalled bowls may still hold water and food without leaking, their primary function as a safe feeding station is compromised by the sharp edges that have become exposed. The elevated design of the Double Diner means you are likely to bend over or reach into the structure frequently, increasing the surface area of your hands and fingers that comes into contact with the hazardous metal rim.

There is also the risk of injury to your pets. While the reported incidents involve human consumers, a sharp, unfinished edge can easily scratch a dog’s nose, paw, or whiskers if they lean in closely to eat or drink. Dogs have sensitive skin and nerves, and even minor scratches can cause them discomfort or anxiety around their feeding station. By ignoring the recall, you are allowing a known defect to persist, turning a standard pet accessory into a source of potential harm for both you and your animal companion. The remedy is straightforward—a full refund—and the risk of staying with the defective product outweighs any temporary convenience of keeping it.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in elevated dog bowls, the underlying issue—sharp edges and exposed materials that can cause injury—is a common theme in many household products. Protecting yourself and your pets from similar hazards requires a proactive approach to product safety and home maintenance. One of the most effective strategies is to regularly inspect the items you use daily, particularly those made of metal, plastic, or glass that come into frequent contact with skin. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as fraying wires, cracked casings, or, in the case of pet accessories, loose fittings and rough edges. When new products arrive at your home, take a moment to examine them before use. If something feels unfinished, looks fragile, or has sharp protrusions, it is often safer to set it aside and contact the manufacturer immediately rather than attempting to fix it yourself.

Another critical layer of defense is staying informed about product safety news. Many dangerous defects are identified only after widespread distribution, which is why government agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) play a vital role in public health. You can subscribe to email alerts from the CPSC or follow their social media channels to receive timely updates on recalls relevant to your household. This does not mean you need to monitor every single product category, but setting up alerts for items you frequently purchase—such as baby gear, kitchen appliances, or pet supplies—can help you act quickly if a hazard is identified. Early awareness allows you to remove dangerous items before they cause harm, turning a potential emergency into a simple return process.

When dealing with elevated furniture or accessories, such as the recalled dog bowls, stability and material integrity are key. Always ensure that weighted or elevated items are placed on non-slip surfaces to prevent tipping, which can expose sharp undersides or cause the item to collapse. For pet products specifically, consider the behavior of your animal; if your dog is an aggressive chewer, even minor defects in plastic or metal can become significant dangers quickly. Regularly clean and inspect pet feeding stations for rust, corrosion, or broken gaskets, as these conditions can create jagged edges over time. By treating your home environment with a routine of gentle scrutiny and staying connected to official safety resources, you create a safer space for everyone, reducing the risk of accidental cuts, lacerations, and other preventable injuries.

• Inspect New Purchases: Check for sharp edges or loose parts before using new home goods.
• Monitor Safety Alerts: Subscribe to CPSC notifications for categories of products you own frequently.
• Maintain Stability: Ensure elevated items are secure and placed on stable, non-slip surfaces.
• Regular Checks: Periodically examine used items for wear, rust, or damage that could create hazards.