If it does, you can try some low intensity exercises. Here you will also find countless interesting turtle facts about turtles, tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. Dog urine can contain ammonia and bacteria that can irritate the sinuses, lungs, and eyes and cause respiratory issues. Posted July 22, 2018. However, turtles dont have an anus, so all of their waste leaves their body through the cloaca. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. . Even if your turtle is used to being picked up, try not to handle it for an extended period of time. Removal of the stones generally requires surgery plus fluid therapy to prevent kidney damage. This happens because excess sugar can build up in your blood . 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. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the . A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. In this blog, we will discuss those and answer some related queries. This behavior helps turtles bond with each other and shows how much they care for others. The turtle also may not be getting appropriate ultraviolet light. And there is the same threat of Salmonella infection from turtles to other pets as there is to humans (see the previous slide). So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. Stand nearby your tank while slowly moving around and this will help your pet get used to your presence. You shouldnt force it hold a piece of lettuce close to its mouth and wait patiently. Your email address will not be published. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? When the turtle is ready to relieve itself, the urine passes through the cloaca and out of the body. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. If you hold them less, they will be less likely to feel the need to urinate. While it may be unpleasant to deal with, theres no need to be concerned if your turtle urinates when picked up. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Urine will contain lots of things that plants like such as water and nitrates, which can act like fertilizers. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a 4 inch shell. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. Is this harmful to me? While they don't really cuddle or purr, turtles do have . Generally, a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is good. The problem may be due to an inappropriate diet that may be too high in protein and fat or may be imbalanced in vitamins and minerals. But no, this is never a good idea. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? Some turtles are more outgoing and curious than others, making them more likely to enjoy being handled. Yes, turtles can urinate on us but not because they want to get rid of their waste products. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. TurtleOwner.com is owned and operated by The Turtle Owner Team. Hence, if youre interested, hop on the ship. Yes, they do! Do snapping turtles recognize their owners? Observe your pet regularly and figure out when it is most active, what frightens it, and when it appears the most comfortable.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-box-4','ezslot_7',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-box-4','ezslot_8',109,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-109{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;}. Hermann tortoises are known for eating everything that you put in front of them. Start gently and gradually. Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. 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. First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. Second, you can try to train your turtle to urinate in a specific area. In fact, turtles pee when theyre picked up because theyre excited or could be scared too! Set up your myVCA account today. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. Its best to let the turtle approach you first rather than picking it up without warning. When turtles get scared they can basically pee on themselves. Advertisement. Turtles and water are of course inseparable. You have diabetes. UTI is a common, irritating, and painful sensation experienced when urinating. They can also bite, so its best to avoid putting your fingers near their mouths. For example, sea turtles only urinate every few months because they live in saltwater. Young turtles may not be strong enough to break your skin, but those with a sharp beak would probably cause harm. If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. Any prolapsed tissue may be viewed by other animals in the same tank as something to eat, and they will readily bite at the exposed tissue. Weve identified a few more theories through our research and observation on why turtles pee on you when picked up. When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. Turtles are aware of their owners. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. By the time you notice this, the underlying problem likely has been going on for quite a while and may have serious long-term effects on the turtle's health. In the water, shed skin appears as a whitish, "fuzzy" substance coming off the skin that is sometimes mistaken for fungus or other disease. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. Frank Zappa You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. In fact, all turtles pee. Have you ever held a turtle and felt a warm stream of urine run down your arm? You've only seen one page. True or False: It's Safe to Drink Your Urine. Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. Read our advice on understanding turtle behavior and forming a relationship with your turtle below! A great way to win over a pet turtle is to avoid being overly noisy around him/her. Some owners even choose to use a soft toothbrush to pet their turtles shell. Pick them up with both hands with as little pressure as you can, keep in mind that their shells are living tissue, therefore they are sensitive. In fact, its almost odorless. 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. Answer. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Instead, they excrete a waste product called uric acid, which is a byproduct of their metabolism. Every little bit can help us tremendously in continuing to create quality content that helps turtle and tortoise owners around the world. I've been a turtle and tortoise owner for 10 years, during which I gained a lot of experience and information, and now I want to share them with everybody that is curious or it's looking for help. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. All reasons aside, turtle pee is entirely safe to be in contact with human skin. Putting all the disgust aside, you also might overthink if something internally could be wrong with your turtle. Hi, my name is Edward Cohen. Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. Required fields are marked *. So, how do turtles pee? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Turtles require both Ultraviolet A and B light to survive. As for the situations where you would need to touch them, remember these three reminders: The key is in handling them and the deliberate pressure you put on them. Younger turtles feel much more secure if they have a solid surface to place their feet on. The cloaca is located at the base of the tail, and urine is passed through it using muscular contractions. Over time, they can learn their owners voice, pick up their scent and even recognize them by sight. Some turtles with urinary tract infections or other health issues will urinate more frequently and even urinate outside their habitat. Do make sure to read its body language. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Can box turtle pee hurt you? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. If your turtle doesnt show any interest. Turtles are fun to watch swim around in an aquarium, lazily walk their way across the terrain (e.g., your carpet), or even just chill out on a warm and comfortable rock. How Can I Make My Turtle Feel Comfortable Being Handled? Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. But then why do some people claim their turtles pee smell bad? Do your research so that you can be sure that you are prepared to care for any animal companion you choose to call your own. Therefore, that can cause the turtles muscles to relax, including those that control its bladder. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. And whatever the reason, its important to be prepared for a turtle to pee when you pick it up. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? There is also the risk of one or both animals being injured, or possibly killed, by a falling aquarium. Also, a turtle may urinate more often when it is hot outside and sweating a lot. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. Box Turtle vs Painted Turtle - What is the Difference. People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Will I get sick? This may sound like a silly question, but it gets asked a lot! On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. Additionally, the amount of urine a box turtle produces can also differ depending on the season. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. There are a few reasons why your turtle might be peeing on you. 7 Things That Can Make Your Pet Turtle Sick, Turtles 101: How to Clean and Care for Your Turtle's Tank, Turtle FAQs: What Kind of Turtle Do I Have and More, any pet has the potential to transmit disease, unlikely combinations of animals into lifelong friends. 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. Moreover, you can consider bathing your turtle. 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. The Surprising Answer( With Video). 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). No, turtles do not pee in their shell. Depending on factors, such as environmental temperature and the amount of water its drinking. Try to avoid frequent and excessive handling of your turtle. The regular color of urine varies. Yes, you read it right. Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes can all make it hurt to pee. But while many turtles appreciate gentle strokes, others wont tolerate any contact at all. We really appreciate the kindness and support that you show us! The more water you drink, the less concentrated your urine is. You can find more details on traction wrapping in this article. Also, when turtles feel stressed or threatened, they could do the same. They will also begin associating your presence with something good. And its perfectly natural for turtles to let out a little urine when theyre feeling stressed, excited, or scared. Turtles feel much safer in water than on land, and handling turtles in water helps acclimate them to touch. 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. Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. 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. Many turtles know the sight and sounds of their owners, even though most people don't. This can cause by several reasons like the food theyre eating (fish), your turtles may suffering from dehydration or infection. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Orange. This hormone causes the heart to beat faster and its blood vessels to constrict. And they have a well-developed system for getting rid of waste. And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. 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. After all, some say, there are probably other turtles there, and an abundance of food, water, and sunlight. Once this is accomplished, the turtle will swim now and then for excercise when he wants. You may also have other symptoms, including: 1. Required fields are marked *. As you can see in the picture above the cloaca is basically the turtles butt. Urgent need to pee. There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. 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. 26 Ken Saladin A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an turtle with these signs immediately. A good opportunity to handle your pet turtle is when its getting some sun. Moreover, if your turtle isnt used to handling by you or humans, it could pee on you as a defense mechanism. As with any pet, its best to opt for a larger enclosure than to find yourself stuck with one thats too small. Can turtle pee hurt you? A good guide is tengallons of tank space for each inch of turtle, at a minimum. When this substance is concentrated, it can be harmful to humans. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. TurtleOwner.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This reflex is often triggered when theyre picked up, leading to an accidental release of urine. The most popular one is that its a natural defense mechanism. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. ). Here are the links to our most recent posts that may interest you: As we mentioned before, there are a number of theories regarding why turtles pee when picked up. 2011-09-12 15:23:38. . When you pick up a turtle, its body is suddenly subjected to a different type of gravity than its used to. 3 1989 Zappa Fam. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. Here is a video where you can see a turtle pees while somebody is holding it: Except for the situation mentioned above, its almost impossible to see a turtle pee, and there are two good reasons for this. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. So, you can follow our instructions above, and dont forget to discuss with a professional if necessary. Some owners feed their turtlesin a separate area to avoid this from happening. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. You also might have . If they find themselves far from the ground, they would just pee on you. Turtles are fascinating animals with a lot of unknowns. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. Instead, they will only do so if they are ill or trying to conserve water. 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. So, lets continue. Can turtle pee hurt you? A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down protein. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. But if you pick them up they'll likely pee on you, so watch out. These include rubbing their heads and necks against their owner, licking faces, and even biting. Patience and regular interaction with your turtle are the best ways to help it grow more comfortable with being handled. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. Can box turtle pee hurt you? They should excrete in natures order just as we normally imagine. But if you must, make sure to handle them gently and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Salmonella is a bacteria that lives on their outer skin and shell surfaces. Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). A turtle bite can be dangerous depending on the species of turtle and its age. And it can also have toxins that can be dangerous to the brain if it comes to contact. Im Devin Nunn, an average joe that just so happens to have a deep love and passion for everything to do with reptiles. They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! You will need to supplement ambient light with a quality UV light source placed over the tank. You will also feel the urge to urinate more often and a change in smell can occur. Is turtle Pee harmful to humans? With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. The pee they released on you isnt actually urine. When you drink less, the yellow color becomes stronger. While turtles may not relieve themselves when picked up by humans, they are capable of doing so when they feel threatened or stressed. The problem with these turtles, or reptiles in general, is that they carry Salmonella. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. However, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. Sometime they can do things which may surprise us. A bubbler can help to aerate the water and improve water quality. 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. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. One theory proposes that turtles are ectotherms, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. Your pet turtle should have some kind of resting spot, whether that means holding onto your hand, arm, or another solid surface you can grab. Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? They can also spin around quickly or even lunge. Its a white, crystalline substance that is relatively insoluble in water. The shell may be soft, bumpy, or asymmetrical. But if you wee in the same place too much, you will build up a concentration of salts in the soil, and this can affect osmosis of water into the plant's roots. They feel the need to defend themselves thus peeing on you would make you put them back down on the ground where they feel much more secure. However, someone who owns a turtle and can no longer care for it might think that theres a perfect spot in a nearby pond or forest that would be just the place for a turtle. 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. 96 Continue this thread Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. Its a common phenomenon that has puzzled turtle owners and experts for years. Changes to your usual vaginal discharge. 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. If you enjoy the content that we create, please consider saying a "Thank You!" Your turtle certainly wont grow to adulthood overnight, but its bound to occur faster than you would think. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Be careful approaching turtles; coming up behind them is a sure fire way to spook them. Legislation was then passed in the United States making it illegal to sell turtles with a shell length smaller than 4 inches (10 cm) to try to prevent children from putting small turtles into their mouths. But some people argue that even in such situations we have plenty to drink, as long as we don't turn up our noses at it. (Are They Dangerous?). Can turtle pee hurt you? Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. Another theory suggests that turtles dont have the same muscle control as other animals. In general, red eared slider turtles will urinate several times a day. 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. Turtles that feel affection towards their owners will often follow them around. Mistake 2: You Push While Peeing. 3. Welcome to the site and we hope you find what youre looking for. Urinary tract infection. Therefore, its not hazardous if it comes in contact with your skin. You can get turtles that come with balls, ropes, and many other fun items.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-leader-1','ezslot_13',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-leader-1-0'); These types of toys not only provide entertainment, but they also give your pet something to do. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. read more On ReptileJam.com we have a deep passion and interest for all kinds of reptiles. While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. And after reading this blog, you know that turtles have a well-developed urinary system. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. One of the most pronounced ones is its potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into your contact. I have been an animal enthusiast for many years now and I love them. A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to create a safe zone in your turtles aquarium where it can hide and find comfort. Turtles have a powerful sense of hearing; if you make a lot of noise in or near their tank, it might stress them out. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. When they eat, they will likely urinate in that area. However, it is important to note that not all turtles will react this way. 7 yr. ago Most turtles that cross the roads in Texas are red ears. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. During hibernation, they will stop eating and slow their movements; their metabolism also slows, and their immune system function becomes suppressed. Clean up all feces right away. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. A baby red eared slider, for example, might be sold when its only four inches long but can be expected to eventually reach 10 to 12 inches in length, says Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian in Fort Collins, CO. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. 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. They have an opening at the bottom of their shell that they use to excrete waste. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. For example, red eared sliders tend to do best with a water temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.. While a cat is probably more likely to have the skill to get up and into your turtles enclosure, never underestimate the brute force of an eager and leaping dog, no matter the size. Can A Turtle Pee on You? Hence people always come with some unique queries. This creates scar tissue that blocks or slows the flow of urine, which can hurt. Turtles can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans, so its necessary to wash your hands after handling one. Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. Your email address will not be published. They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! While turtles generally dont go out of their way to do so, they may release urine as a defense mechanism if they feel threatened or are startled. 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. If you intend to swap out a former fish tank for your new turtle, its best to invest in a new and more appropriate aquarium lid than the type that comes with fish tanks. And if youre tired of your turtle peeing on you, there are a few things you can do to stop it.
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