Feral cats vs. new indoor puppy

Question
My husband and i have been feeding three feral cats for the last three years outside on our deck. In a few days i'll be picking up a new Maltipoo puppy. My intent is to take him outside through the glass sliding door that leads to the deck  and to the back lawn. The deck is where the cats spend a great deal of their time. I am concerned about the possibility of fleas or other ailments that these cats may pass on to the new puppy. Do you have any suggestions for me ?

Barbara Braverman

Answer
Hi Barbara,

There are many places/area/things/issues that can make a pup ill. I will briefly touch on things like fleas that could possible be transferred from cats (fleas can be transferred from anywhere) and give you some brief examples of other areas too.
That is very caring of you to take care of these cats. Are we sure they are feral? Or could some very callous person have left them behind and now they are "strays." I ask because i wonder if you can pet them? I will explain more in a moment...
Also, congratulations on your soon to be new dog. Remember all dogs are born with some sort of intestinal parasites/worms from mom even the best of breeders' dogs. Puppies dont have a strong immunity and also things like demodex are sometimes common. (this is immunity issue, cats would not be responsible).
I would first recommend a natural balanced diet (not what a breeder recommends, no commercial pet foods) but a HOLISTIC vet's prepared diet for pups. "Dr Pitcarin's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats" is a great reference. Fleas prey on weak and sick animals, so best prevention is superior health and superior diet. (your average vet does not work with nutrition either and brands like Hills are a disgraceful low quality marketing food). We as humans can easily take fleas in the house (even if there were no outdoor animals) and fleas can jump on dogs from anywhere.
I do not believe in those  monthly toxic flea treatments but used once perhaps when necessary is ok. So if you see these cats are infested, one dose and then that is it. (that is why i asked if you can pet them). Something like advantage multi (only the "multi" formula) will treat fleas, lice and ear mites. Again, this is a toxin and clearly reads "hazardous to domestic animals so the monthly marketing is a sin in my opinion) Once every year or so only when necessary and no other options.
I would get NEMOTODES. This is to treat your yard. "FLEABUSTERS" carries a good healthy flea ingesting neomotode that will take care of all fleas in your yard. Natural, not toxic chemicals that will NOT damage cats or pup or earth.
It is important to remember a well socialized puppy which has exposure to other dogs, and people and children can get exposed to fleas or things just walking down the street. To have a healthy and happy dog they must be walked and socialized with other animals. Have him protected with puppy vaccines, and you can have people visit to get him used to others while he was waiting for his final set. It is also important to remember we can bring fleas home at any time. You dont need to obsess about it but important to remember it may not be the cats' fault. A happy dog is one that is exposed to many things at a young age, plays with other dogs, has proper nutrition, lots of daily exercise such as running, fresh air, sunshine, mental stimulation and a secure relationship with a pack, knowing proper boundaries and limitations. And of course, the love of a guardian if it is a domestic animal.
I would analyze his feces at a holistic vet's office and analyze FRESH fecal sample of one of the cats. If one cat has something, they all will. Less than two hours old if possible. See if the cats have anything and treat accordingly. If you can handle them, then all the easier, if not, then ask vet to compound to make palatable and put in food.
Make sure dog doesnt eat the feces as a puppy often might.
There arent a tremendous amount of things that will cross species, but some things like fleas, earmites, hookworms, whipworms, giardia, ringworm (fungus) etc. And again, your dog can get this anywhere. Dog park, walking down the street. A happy socialized dog should be exercised and socialized around other animals so best line of defense is optimal health. Things like feline upper respiratory stays with the cats, things like canine distemper stays with the dogs. Some people isolate their canines and this is a tremendous disservice to the dog and the person usually ends up with a dog with terrible behavior problems.
Dogs can get illnesses from mosquitoes as well (heartworm). I am not sure where you live, and it may not be in your area, but heartworm prevention is a good idea. Of course ticks carry disease as well.
I am sure your vet will tell you to not walk until your pup has full set of vaccines to protect against things like parvo. It is also important to know animals can pick up things like leptospirosis drinking from a puddle. Lepto is part of the vaccine series. Get a good book to familiarize yourself, try not to over worry and just act accordingly, and again i cant repeat enough, the best diet makes the healthiest dog. This is organic, pesticide free, human grade food prepared and tailored to meet a dog or pup's specific needs.
It is important not to over-vaccinate as this will break down an immune system, but that is not something you need to worry about now.
Puppies will get ill just like children, just accept it gracefully and keep him protected but also fully involved with a healthy stimulating life.
Order nemotodes, get fecal sample of cats analyzed. Check cats for any round bald spots, (ringworm- which is NOT serious and is self regulating but highly contagious - it is a fungus and comparable to athlete's foot so dont get too worried about it). I think vets prescribe a poison to deal with it and if you ever deal with this issue please write me again and i will give you non-toxic options). I have seen animals die from this horrendous liver and kidney damaging treatment. if suspicious have a vet make a home visit if possible. Are the kitties spayed and neutered? If not, your three will quickly become dozens so you may want to contact your local humane society to help spay and neuter them then allow them back in the garden after surgery.
I think they can all co-exist in harmony, and the cats may run from pup. He will want to play because pups need to play. Just supervise in the beginning. Again, thank you for taking care of your new dog and for caring for the three cats.
Some people take animals to the city shelter and dont realize they will most often be killed even at "no-kill" shelters, because they may not fall into their "adoptable criteria." The no kill shelters wont put up for adoption or will send animal to the city pound which will then euthanize the animal. Its a terribly misleading system and I am grateful there are people in the world that care for the ones that people left behind.
Best of luck with your new dog!!
There are many places/area/things/issues that can make a pup ill. A healthy dog will not get ill. Hopefully, I briefly touched on things like fleas that could possible be transferred from cats (fleas can be transferred from anywhere) and give you some brief examples of other areas too. Try not to worry too much though!

Shanti