can turtle pee hurt you

Required fields are marked *. While they are generally discerning, it is possible your turtle will eat something they shouldn't. These could include small pieces of plastic, fabric or any other material. Just as important, any vet can test an animal for Salmonella. But no, this is never a good idea. Forming a bond with your pet over time and gaining its trust will also help to prevent it feeling stressed when you pick it up. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a 4 inch shell. . Because taking care of them for the vast majority of my life wasnt fulfilling enough, I decided to begin educating others about them through my articles. So, should you pick up a turtle? If you put them down on the floor, they might inch closer and closer to you. 3. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. Hence people always come with some unique queries. Learn more about KiwiCo's seven different subscription options here: http://kiwico.com/scishowFrom peeing out of their mo. Simply put, turtles are dirty. Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. turtles "pee" (actually it's not urine, it's just water from their anal bladder that stores water to help the females lay eggs and also helps turts breathing under water ) because they are scared. Turtle urine can contain harmful bacteria that can cause infections. After all, some say, there are probably other turtles there, and an abundance of food, water, and sunlight. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. . If you have any questions left, please feel free to leave them in the comment section and I will answer them as soon as possible. If your turtle opens its mouth and moves its head upward when you pet it, you should stop because this is a sign of discomfort. As your turtle gets more accustomed to you it will stop peeing on your hand, but until then this is one of the few occasions when you can see your turtle pee. Is turtle Pee harmful to humans? Your turtle certainly wont grow to adulthood overnight, but its bound to occur faster than you would think. This will help to remove any bacteria that may be causing your turtle to urinate more frequently. Also, its a good idea to invest in a vacuum, or even just a simple siphon device made for tanks, which offers a simple way to make a partial water change each time you use itwhich should be at least once a week. For example, if a turtle is dehydrated, its pee will be darker in color. And well talk about those and a few more related topics in this blog. In fact, its almost odorless. Answer (1 of 8): Stress can cause any animal to urinate or defecate or both. These include rubbing their heads and necks against their owner, licking faces, and even biting. UVB rays cannot penetrate glass, however, so glass tank tops will negate the benefits of any sort of overhead lighting. "Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat," according to the U.S. Bacteria Your body is home to many different colonies of healthy. Yes, they do! Before I wrap up, I want to touch on how you can get your pet turtle to like you. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. Otherwise, leave your turtle alone until she gets used to being touched. So why did my turtle pee on me? turtles "pee" (actually it's not urine, it's just water from their anal bladder that stores water to help the females lay eggs and also helps turts breathing under water ) because they are scared. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. A lack of safe drinking water is a common result of disasters, natural or otherwise. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. Once this is accomplished, the turtle will swim now and then for excercise when he wants. Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. However, a few things can affect the appearance of turtle pee. Can turtle pee hurt you? Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. However, it's better to leave the turtle alone if it appears fearful and threatened by you. While they don't really cuddle or purr, turtles do have . If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Don't confuse "remaining alive" with thriving. As you can see in the picture above the cloaca is basically the turtles butt. Its always best to remove any uneaten food from a turtles enclosure to avoid a mess from cast-off and decaying matter, which can make the tank water get very nasty. Common UTI Symptoms. If you notice that your turtle's shell is growing irregularly, it may be a sign of malnutrition or even metabolic bone disease. Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. Can box turtle pee hurt you? Turtles and water are of course inseparable. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an turtle with these signs immediately. Those are the questions that we will explore in the rest of the article. turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell. Your veterinarian will discuss dietary and environmental modifications to try to prevent stones from reforming. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. You can find more details on traction wrapping in this article. In male turtles, the penis (which is a surprisingly large, black organ with a spade-shaped end) may periodically prolapse out of the vent and become visible outside the body when the turtle is stressed or acting sexual, but then it should revert back into the shell easily. The same is true for light shining through the sides of a glasstank. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. Its best to let the turtle approach you first rather than picking it up without warning. People infected. So, you can follow our instructions above, and dont forget to discuss with a professional if necessary. While this is mostly considered a horror movie trope, its actually based on reality, since humans possess the same defense mechanism as turtles. So turtles do pee, but why don't we see them do it? ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Dont ever bother your turtle when its hiding or resting. Turtles urine contains high levels of uric acid, which can lead to gout, kidney stones, and even cancer. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. By In this blog, we will discuss those and answer some related queries. Another theory suggests that turtles dont have the same muscle control as other animals. A dog or cat may view your new turtle with curiosity at first, but a simple exploratory scratch or bite can easily cause serious, andpotentially lethal, harm. There are a few reasons why your turtle might be peeing on you. A common opinion among turtle owners is that turtles pee when picked up because theyre scared. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? Like all reptiles, turtles excrete uric acid as waste. This is a natural reflex that helps them to escape from predators or other threats. The cloaca works in a similar way to the lungs, when the turtle is inside the water the cloaca will act like a pump that will suck water inside and after it gathers all the oxygen from it, it will expel the water out, and then it will start over. But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. Turtles arent likely to escape a well-managed enclosure, so if you can rig things up properly, you might not need a lid at all. Turtles are interesting creatures. Additionally, the amount of urine a box turtle produces can also differ depending on the season. It has the potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into contact with you so you have to be very carefulif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',108,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4-0_1'); .medrectangle-4-multi-108{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}, Thats why its important to alwayswash your hands after handling your turtle, If your turtle has peed on you and you want to stop this behavior carry on reading, If you want your turtle to stop peeing on you its very simple, If you have to handle your turtle, do it in a gentle and calm way. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. They often follow their owners around the house with their heads down, looking at them intently.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'reptileshere_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'reptileshere_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',110,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-110{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. So, its important that your turtles environment be kept clean. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. Changes to your usual vaginal discharge. Your email address will not be published. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. Depending on factors, such as environmental temperature and the amount of water its drinking. Hi, my name is Edward Cohen. However most turtles enjoy being petted on their shells, but some dont like it when you touch their heads or legs. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. So, how do turtles pee? Remember that just because your turtle accepts your affection sometimes does not mean that it will always be receptive to human interaction. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, palpate the turtles abdomen, and take radiographs (X-rays) to diagnose the problem. Hence, when a turtle is picked up, its body releases a hormone called adrenaline. Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. On this site you will find articles that cover every basic thing that a turtle owner needs to know, as well as all the advanced stuff. Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. But while many turtles appreciate gentle strokes, others wont tolerate any contact at all. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. Some owners even choose to use a soft toothbrush to pet their turtles shell. While it may be unpleasant to deal with, theres no need to be concerned if your turtle urinates when picked up. You can slowly introduce this behavior over several days. If given the opportunity, most wild red-eared sliders will attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale. It is not illegal to own or to buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches, again, unless it is a protected species. In fact, turtles pee when theyre picked up because theyre excited or could be scared too! People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. Many other animals, including humans, have this same reflex. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. Make sure your turtle feels secureimagine how scary it must feel to be held high in the air with its feet scrambling around! You also might have . If you enjoy the content that we create, please consider saying a "Thank You!" You just have to pick your turtle up, and you will be able to see that your turtle will start to pee. And the most renowned assumption is that its a type of defense mechanism for turtles. Your email address will not be published. Turtles who are used to handling usually won't release any body fluids while you handle them, but if they are young or not used to people, it's going to happen. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. Splashing around in the water and basking regularly are some other signs of a happy turtle. You will need to supplement ambient light with a quality UV light source placed over the tank. Frequent urination can also be caused by drinking too many liquids. This leads to toxins being passed through their kidneys and eventually ending up inside their bodies. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work: 1. If your turtle does stop eating and you are concerned that it may be ill, be sure to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. But straining that hard is an indication of a serious problem He may have an intestinal blockage, and straining can cause him to have an intestinal prolapse when part of the intestine comes out of the cloaca/anus. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Find out yours. You shouldnt force it hold a piece of lettuce close to its mouth and wait patiently. Weve identified a few more theories through our research and observation on why turtles pee on you when picked up. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. They too would like some space of their own and have peace of mind, if not they might pee on you as a sign of distress as soon as you pick them up. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs.. As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. When a turtle is scared, its body goes into fight-or-flight mode, and it may release the uric acid (a urine-like substance) as a way to defend itself. Can turtle pee hurt you? Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. Yes, affectively from research from scientists, according to men only, earthworm urine can immensely be affective and sting to . If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. Can turtle pee hurt you? In fact, all turtles urinate (or have a similar process), including red-eared slider turtles. In susceptible people and animals, salmonellosis can cause severe gastrointestinal disease, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, fever, or septicemia (blood infection). This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. Start gently and gradually. Although turtles are certainly not the only reptiles that can carry Salmonella, most turtles carry the infection asymptomatically, in that they do not show signs of illness. When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. Dont keep them too long in your hands, being gripped is unnatural for them, so it is quicker for them to be in a defensive mode. Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise you. Other turtles seem to be terrified of being picked up and try to squirm away or even bite if theyre grabbed. Therefore, when you suspect your turtle has a health problem, take them to the vet for a check-up. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. What do we learn here? As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Turtles are aware of their owners. When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. Turtles express their love through eye contact rather than physical touch. Do Turtles Pee? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If youve ever held a turtle in your hand and felt a warm, damp spot, theres a good chance that your turtle has peed on you. The same goes for adult turtles, peeing on you is a defensive move. It is transmitted in an animal's feces (pronounced FEE-seez), which is a scientific word for poop. Infected animals and people carry the bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts and shed the bacteria in their feces, serving as a source of infection to others. When this substance is concentrated, it can be harmful to humans. Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. Wild turtles are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. The answer is no; turtles do not pee out of their mouth. Blisters or . Contrary to popular belief, turtles can become attached to their owners. And if a snapping turtle bites you this way, the danger is even bigger due to their sharp beaks that can cut through the meat the more they maintain the bite. No release If you do have a legal pet turtle you can no longer keep, do not release it into the wild. This is not a problem as long as the penis can go back in. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. Hence, if youre interested, hop on the ship. Its always best to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your turtle or cleaning its enclosure. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. So, between the natural competition for food, the uncertainty of the weather, and disease, your pet will have little chance of survival, not to mention the damage it might cause to native animals. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. The answer is yes! Its possible that you might have seen a few horror movies where people that are going to be attacked by monsters or ghosts, pee themselves. It might disgust you to experience your little snapper peeing on you. Your email address will not be published. One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. Regardless of the tissue or organ prolapsed, all can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. Some turtles are more outgoing and curious than others, making them more likely to enjoy being handled. Therefore, the right method of handling may slow down the occurrence of them peeing on you as they get used to your grip on them. Do turtles pee? Most of the turtles for sale as pets require both aquatic and terrestrial environments within their tank, and special attention needs to be paid to water quality. -If your immune system is weak, other health problems may arise. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. ). Try to avoid frequent and excessive handling of your turtle. Hermann tortoises and their dietary preferences can be very strange, sometimes tortoises will eat everything that is in front of them (even if they shouldnt) and other times they will become some Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? The most important things to do are to provide a healthy diet, a comfortable environment, and regular exercise. Because aquatic turtles poop in the water, they can get . Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. When a turtle has cystic calculi, there may be blood in its droppings. One technique involves cutting the shell and then repairing it following the procedure; the second technique involves making an incision in front of and through the muscles of the pelvis and hind limbs to enter the abdominal cavity. Never enter the safe zone! While sunlight will provide all the ultraviolet light a turtle needs in the wild, its not enough to simply have your enclosure near a sunlit window. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. Dont shake your turtle, and dont leave him/her alone too high off the ground. Generally speaking, a turtle can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment. True or False: It's Safe to Drink Your Urine. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. During hibernation, they will stop eating and slow their movements; their metabolism also slows, and their immune system function becomes suppressed. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. 10. Full thickness shedding of skin, leaving raw or bleeding areas, is clearly abnormal and may be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection, hypovitaminosis A (vitamin A deficiency), burn, or trauma. Your pet turtle should feel safe imagine how terrifying it would be to be held high above ground while struggling to get back down to safety. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. Can box turtle pee hurt you? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. While controversial, most veterinarians feel it is best to try to prevent captive red-eared sliders from hibernating, since hibernation is very stressful on the body, and sub-clinical illnesses can manifest themselves during the immunocompromise that accompanies hibernation. But this isnt verified or proven information. Soft-shelled turtles from China can essentially expel pee from their mouths, researchers say. The cloaca is located at the base of the tail, and urine is passed through it using muscular contractions. It goes without saying that pets of different types might need to be kept apartor watched closely when theyre in the same proximity. So, lets continue. However, a few things make box turtles urinary habits unique. We dont know many things about them yet or arent sure. Thats because turtles excrete very little nitrogen in their urine. Dysuria means you feel pain or a burning sensation when you pee (urinate). Turtles feel much safer there and you can gradually get them used to being touched without feeling scared. The best way to avoid your turtle peeing on you is to handle it properly. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. Another is that the acid in turtle pee can eat away at the skin, causing warts. However, land turtles urinate every day or two. Dog urine can contain ammonia and bacteria that can irritate the sinuses, lungs, and eyes and cause respiratory issues. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. In turtles, a prolapse occurs when an organ (such as the intestine, cloaca, urinary bladder, uterus, or penis) protrudes from the vent (the opening in the underside of the tail from which the turtle passes droppings). According to Dr. Adam Denish, of Rhawnhurst Animal Hospital in Pennsylvania, thinking that a turtle should look sick for it to be a threat is a mistake. And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. Most pet owners can recognize when their pet is stressed or feels like its in danger, but some behaviors can take you by surprise! A veterinarian uses a physical examination, blood tests, and radiographs (X-rays) to help diagnose the cause of the dystocia and to determine whether medical and/or surgical procedures are best indicated in treating these animals. Not only is it smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to use food to develop a relationship. If you're always looking for the bathroom because you have to pee upwards of eight times a day and it's not just uncomfortable but hurts . Already have a myVCA account? As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. Urinary tract infection. (Are They Dangerous?). Since most turtles that carry Salmonella are not ill, they usually require no treatment. As with any pet, its best to opt for a larger enclosure than to find yourself stuck with one thats too small.

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