Royal Canin is recalling approximately 465 heating-cooling pads for cats and dogs that were distributed in Canada. The company is seeking to avoid potential health risks for children and pets from the diethylene glycol contained in the mats, according to Healthy Canadians.

Diethylene glycol has the potential to be secreted from the mats if the product is damaged, which may cause illness in pets and children if they ingest the chemical.

According to Healthy Canadians, Royal Canin distributed the mats in Canada at dog and cat shows. The mats were also available on Royal Canin's website to members of the Royal Canin Elite Breeders Club.

Product details

The mats are described as a plastic sheet made of nine gel pockets and a removable red outer cover that features the Royal Canin logo on one corner (view image here). They were distributed between Jan. 27, 2011, and April 1, 2013, Healthy Canadians reported.

Royal Canin is advising consumers to discontinue use of the mats affected by the recall and return them to the company. Those who received the mats as a promotional item will not receive a replacement, but Royal Canine Elite Breeder Club members who redeemed points to purchase the mat online will have their points reimbursed after they return the product.

Consumers can contact Royal Canin at 1-800-527-2673 or via email.