Dixon also had to contend with the "amazing" heat of Dubai after she arrived following a 24-hour plane trip, two days before competition.
"To be second in the world in an Open Women's natural class was a fantastic feeling," she said. "I knew it was close between me and the girl who won.
"There were seven competitors in this class, which makes it a great achievement for me
"It was a fantastic experience meeting and talking to other competitors from different countries."
Three other Kiwis attended the championships, with Julie Harris winning the Over-50 women's class and Irshad Ali claiming the Pro Athletic men's title.
Dixon's success qualifies her for the Natural Olympia and Natural Muscle Mania shows in Las Vegas in November.
Returning home jubilant on June 18, the Dixons' joy was fleeting.
"Still on a high, Friday night's rain brought us both back to earth with our farm looking like a war zone," she said.
"We could not get out our road, with slips and trees down on it.
"On Monday when we finally walked around our farm we realised how much damage the rain had done. Like all local farmers up the Turakina Valley, this is going to take us at least two years to recover from."
Dixon was not able to get back into Wanganui for training until the following week, which has put her behind schedule for her next event - the INBA Natural Classic in Taupo - which will be followed by the Las Vegas events.
"Not a lot can be done about it. We have to look after our stock etc first, as this is our income.
"So if anyone out there would like to sponsor, support a natural athlete, I won't say no."
Dixon thanked Pat McNamara of City Gym in Wanganui for the support and time he had put into her training. "Without his experience I wouldn't have achieved such a feat. Big thanks also to my husband Calvin and my family for all their support."
