Expert: Walter Hintz - 9/17/2011

Question
I cant find anyone who can advise hope you can My question is how long do germs in feces live? I have o.c.d and recently had someone clean my carpets. They went thru the alley way where the neighbors take their dogs to do their business and don't clean after them! The huge hose they use, I'm sure got full of you know what and it was dragged and carried all thru my house. Do I have to lysol my entire house now?

Answer
Hi Adr
Intestinal bacteria cannot live long after leaving the body and  the bacteria in dog feces are different then those in human intestines; at least that cause illness. So it is my opinion that you do not have anything to worry about.
 Furthermore if you know you are obsessive-compulsive then you must know that your fears are irrational.

I agree that a carpet cleaning company should be more responsible and in my state dog owners are required to clean up dog droppings.
 Again, human bacterial infections occur from human interactions not from dogs