COMMON HAZARDS FOR PUPPIES, DOGS AND OTHER PETS IN THE UAE

Many puppies from pet stores and unregistered backyard breeders in the UAE often do not receive proper vaccinations. This is because their age is misrepresented in order to sell them sooner: they are declared older than their actual age. As a result, such puppies are much more vulnerable to life-threatening diseases like Parvovirus and Distemper: vaccinating puppies too early to match passport records can be ineffective or even harmful, and, in some cases, vaccination records may be falsified.

But these aren’t the only dangers. Puppies in the UAE, alongside adult dogs and other pets, face additional risks beyond the viruses and diseases. Urban environments pose unexpected hazards to pets that owners may overlook until it's too late. From extreme heat and dehydration to swimming pools, toxic plants, elevators and balconies in high-rise buildings - many threats can put a dog's well-being and life at risk. Awareness and proper care are key to keeping our furry friends safe.

The list below is based on my experience over 27 years in UAE as a pet owner and as former owner of a pet store in Dubai. Below I list real dangers based on accidents that did happen in the past to our clients and customers, friends and neighbours.

ELEVATORS

Elevators can pose a serious hazard for dogs, as YouTube is filled with CCTV footage of leashes getting caught in the doors. Unfortunately, these incidents happen frequently and don’t always end well. To avoid any horrid accident please:

• Keep your pet on a short leash to prevent it from wandering too far and getting caught in the doors. Needless to say: do not let your pet wander around alone.
• Hold the elevator doors when entering and exiting to ensure your pet moves safely in and out.
• Avoid retractable leashes inside the elevators, as their long length increases the risks. Instead, consider carrying small pets while using the elevator to minimize any risks.
• Opt for a breakaway collar with a quick-release buckle, which unclips under pressure to prevent choking if the leash gets caught.
• Precautionary, always locate emergency button inside any elevator in case you need to stop it quickly.
• Lastly, be mindful of other passengers, ensuring your pet remains close to you and under your control.

ESCALATORS

Escalators can be extremely hazardous for dogs due to their moving parts and sharp edges. Here are some key dangers:

• Paws and even nails can get caught within the gaps between escalator steps and the side panels, leading to painful injuries. In worst-case scenarios, escalators can act like shredders, causing severe wounds if a dog's paw or tail gets trapped.
• Leashes can also get caught in the escalator mechanisms, and can result in choking or serious injury.
• Many dogs experience anxiety when faced with moving stairs, which can cause them to panic, slip, or jump off unexpectedly. Moreover, escalators are often located in busy areas, making it harder for pet owners to control their dogs and avoid accidents.

To ensure your dog's safety, carry small dogs when using escalators, or choose stairs (or elevators with caution) whenever possible. If you must use an escalator, ensure your dog is calm, keep their paws away from the edges, and locate the emergency stop button beforehand.

SWIMMING POOLS

Many UAE residents have private pools, which pose a serious risk to puppies. A curious pup can easily wander too close, slip, fall in, and struggle to escape, leading to a tragic outcome. Discovering a beloved pet drowned in your pool is a heartbreaking experience that no one should ever have to face.

The simplest way to avoid this accident is to supervise your puppy (or another pet) outside at all times. Alternatively, you may want to:

• install a fence around your pool area;
• ensure your pool has steps or a ramp so pets can climb out if they fall in, and keep the water level at the top to prevent an edge gap that your pet may struggle to climb over;
• consider pet-friendly pool covers to prevents pets from slipping into the water, designed to withstand pet’s weight and pressure. Ensure a snug and secure fit to maximize the cover's effectiveness.

By taking these simple precautions, you can create a safer environment for your furry friends around the pool area of your home.

BALCONIES

Balconies pose a greater risk for cats than dogs, as any cat owner knows our felines affliction for birds watching - only to leap after them without any awareness of their surroundings or the space around them. However, small dog breeds and tiny puppies are also vulnerable, as they can easily slip through railings or even out of their owner's grasp.

To keep your dog safe on the balcony, consider these precautions:

• Install railing netting or plexiglass panels to prevent small dogs from slipping through gaps.
• Avoid placing furniture near railings, as dogs may use it to climb and jump over.
• Never leave your dog unattended, as distractions can lead to accidents.
• Always provide shade and water to prevent overheating.

By taking these steps, you can create a secure and comfortable balcony space for your furry friend. But I want to emphasise once again not to leave your dog (or cat) unattended on the balcony at any time.

HEAT AND HUMIDITY OF UAE

This leads us to the subject of the hot and often humid climate in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates, posing challenges for pets, especially to brachycephalic breeds, which are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke and related issues. However, no breed truly thrives under the scorching sun, so stay aware of the hot and hotter weather conditions, and how they may affect your pets. Their comfort and safety entirely depend on your attention and awareness.

To keep your pets safe, always provide fresh drinking water and ensure the air conditioning is always on, set at a comfortable temperature (around 25°C is sufficient) when you're away, even if the day feels cooler. Never leave your pet in a car without air conditioning, not even for a few seconds. It’s easy to lose track of time while handling daily tasks or conversations, but even a brief delay could be detrimental for your furry friend.

Beyond the high temperatures, pets also suffer from overheated surfaces like asphalt and concrete, which can burn their paws. Be mindful: carry small pets when possible or provide protective footwear to keep them comfortable.

Additionally, hairless breeds may experience sunburn on their bodies, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause nose burns in many dogs. Use pet-safe sunscreen specifically formulated for cats and dogs, and consider lightweight cotton protective clothing for hairless breeds when they’ll be exposed to sunlight for more than a few minutes.

By taking above precautions, you ensure your beloved companion stays safe and comfortable despite the intense heat. Still, monitor for signs of heatstroke: watch for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or vomiting - these are warning signs that require immediate action.

CARS

Another danger of urban living and cars is the risk of accidents. Even a moment of distraction can be enough for your dog or puppy to dart onto the road, even while on a retractable leash, putting them at serious risk of being hit by fast-moving vehicles, often through no fault of the driver. Prevent accidents by staying alert at all times, avoiding high-traffic areas, and keeping your dog on a short, secure leash when walking near busy roads.

HOUSE HELPERS

Sadly, yes, your house help is one of the hazards for your pet. We all succumb to and readily embrace the convenience and the benefits of household help while living in the UAE and GCC region. However, it's important to remember that housemaids, gardeners, and other staff may not be as familiar with your pet as you are. They may not always know the best way to care for your furry companion, and, regrettably, may not prioritise your pet’s well-being as much as you would.

To ensure your pet's safety, avoid assigning pet care responsibilities to household staff, unless they are specifically hired for that role. If they must walk or interact with your pet, take the time to provide clear instructions and patient guidance. This will help prevent potential injuries to your pet and spare both you and your staff the guilt and regret of avoidable mistakes.

THEFT

Pet theft is an unfortunate reality in the UAE, with many dogs and cats going missing, sometimes without their owners even realising they have been stolen. Pets are taken for various reasons: some fall into the hands of cruel individuals who use them as bait for hunting, while others, especially expensive purebred pedigrees, are stolen for resale or breeding.

To protect your dog, never leave them unattended in the garden or allow them to roam freely, even in pet-safe parks and designated areas. Always keep a watchful eye on your pooch. GPS tags are widely available and can be attached to your pet’s collar, providing valuable location tracking in case your pet goes missing (even if the collar is removed, you can still have some hints of information).

Additionally, ensure your dog’s passport, microchip registration and identification documents are up to date. These records are essential if you ever need to file a police report or reclaim your pet. Taking these precautions can make all the difference in keeping your four-legged companion safe.

TOXIC PLANTS

Some plants found in homes, gardens, and public areas of Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be harmful to dogs. These include (but this is not the full list):

• Oleander is very common in UAE and also highly toxic. This plant can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even heart issues in dogs.
• Aloe Vera may be beneficial for humans, but for dogs ingestion of aloe can lead to vomiting and lethargy.
• UAE commonly kept indoor plant Peace Lily  can cause oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing for dogs.
• Another common indoor plant Dieffenbachia (or Dumb Cane) can lead to swelling, pain, and breathing difficulties.

Above are just some of the commonly found toxic plant examples. There are many more that you can find with the help of google search.

To avoid unnecessary vet emergencies, replace toxic plants with pet-safe alternatives, or use barriers to ensure the plant is out of reach of your pooch. Eventually, you can train your puppy, teaching a simple command like “leave it” from touching or chewing on plants (and other items not meant to be chewed).

I keep repeating, always supervise your dog’s outdoor time and activities, keeping an eye when walking or playing in the garden to prevent accidental ingestion of toxic plants or substances (watch out for rat poison that some people still use in UAE).

TOXIC FOODS

Beyond toxic plants, many everyday foods that seem harmless to us can pose serious risks to our canine companions. Most of us know that chocolate (and all cocoa) is highly toxic to dogs even in small quantities, but did you know that several other common foods can also lead to life-threatening emergencies for dogs? Here are some surprising culprits that could put your canine family member in danger:

• Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs even in very small amounts.

• Macadamia can cause vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia (overheating), lethargy and loss of coordination. Generally speaking, be cautious giving any nuts to dogs, some have shown adverse reactions in dogs, most still not established why. If you believe certain nuts are healthy for your pet, do thorough research beforehand and ask your veterinarian.

• Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, commonly found in many foods (read ingredient list of what you eat, whether you are a pet owner or not). Xylitol is known to cause rapid blood sugar drop in dogs and can result in liver failure.

• I assume that no responsible pet owner would intentionally give dogs alcohol or caffeine (coffee or tea), so there’s no need to emphasise their toxicity. However, one often overlooked source of alcohol exposure is raw dough. The fermentation process in yeast produces alcohol, which means that if a dog consumes raw dough, it can lead to symptoms associated with alcohol poisoning, including vomiting, disorientation, and dangerous drops in blood sugar. Be mindful of this hidden risk when baking.

• I want to mention avocado being highly toxic to parrots and many other bird species due to the presence of persin, a compound that can cause serious health issues, including heart damage and respiratory distress (but not harmful to humans). Given its toxicity to birds, pet owners should exercise caution with all animals, including dogs. While dogs are generally less sensitive to persin, large amounts, especially from the skin and the pit, can still lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and other adverse effects. To ensure the safety of all pets, I think it's best to keep avocados out of reach and avoid feeding them to any animal.

• Also, not many know that apple and pear seeds contain cyanide, which is harmless to humans in small amounts but can pose a risk to pets. Ingesting too many seeds may cause breathing difficulties and weakness. To be safe, always remove seeds before feeding these fruit to pets.

• Garlic, onions, and similar vegetables, whether raw or cooked, can damage red blood cells in dogs, leading to anaemia. Even small amounts over time can be harmful, so garlic, onions and all related should be avoided.

• Excess salt can cause tremors, seizures, and even coma in dogs. Prevent your pup from drinking seawater at the beach and avoid giving them your salty human snacks. 
• Many dog owners know that chicken bones and other small bones pose a choking hazard for dogs. Dairy can cause diarrhoea, especially in lactose-intolerant pups. Mouldy foods can lead to liver damage (we are not always aware of mouldy foods we consume). Excess fatty, fried foods may trigger pancreatitis in dogs (and humans too, but we have larger threshold than dogs).

Generally, if your dog shows signs of poisoning: vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or difficulty breathing - seek veterinary help immediately! It is always better to be safe than sorry. A little precaution goes a long way in ensuring your pet receives the care and attention they deserve.

INSECTS

Insect bites are an often-overlooked risk for pets: many owners don’t realise the danger until their pet is stung or bitten. For example, a simple bee, wasp or hornet sting can become a life threatening experience for your dog, depending on:

• Any allergic reactions - some dogs may be hypersensitive to insect venom. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can cause swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and even collapse, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
• Location - a sting near the mouth, throat, or nose can cause dangerous swelling, potentially blocking airways and leading to suffocation.
• Multiple stings - if a dog disturbs a swarm of bees or wasps, resulting in multiple stings, which can overwhelm pet’s system and lead to toxic shock.
• Pain & infection – even a mild sting can cause localised pain, redness, and irritation. If a dog scratches or bites the area excessively, it could lead to secondary infections.

Ticks also pose a year-round threat to dogs in the UAE, particularly due to the warm climate. The brown dog tick is common and can transmit serious diseases like Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis, which affect a dog's blood cells.

To safeguard your dog, consistent tick prevention with effective treatments and protective collars is essential while living in the Emirates. Routine vet check-ups, regular grooming sessions and tick inspections are recommended to catch infestations early. In addition to antiparasite treatments, regularly applying anti-tick sprays to your dog's indoor and outdoor areas reduces the risk of infestation.

Aside of ticks, bees, hornets and wasps, your dog can be affected by ants, arachnids (scorpions and spiders), and even snakes in some misfortunate cases if you enjoy trekking and outdoor activities in the desert and wadies of UAE. Watch out for potential dangers to your dog and any symptoms, and always have vet’s 24 hour emergency number handy.

Keeping your dog and other pets safe in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the Emirates means being mindful of the unique urban risks they face. From extreme weather and toxic plants to insect stings and metropolitan hazards, city life presents challenges that pet owners must actively address. By staying informed, taking precautions, and recognizing early signs of distress, owners can ensure their dogs remain safe and healthy in the UAE's dynamic lifestyle. A well-informed owner is a dog's best defence against unexpected dangers.

- Written by Natalia Dolidze, founder and former owner of Pets Habitat LLC, now assisting UAE residents in ethically sourcing their ideal canine companion from responsible breeders in Italy.