But, when you do decide to pick up your turtle, be sure to support their weight from underneath and keep a firm grip, so they dont fall and hurt themselves. . Make sure your turtle feels secureimagine how scary it must feel to be held high in the air with its feet scrambling around! Some turtles with urinary tract infections or other health issues will urinate more frequently and even urinate outside their habitat. All animals have defense mechanisms, but some of them may seem stranger than others. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. 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. Urgent need to pee. Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. So, should you pick up a turtle? No release If you do have a legal pet turtle you can no longer keep, do not release it into the wild. However, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. Common UTI Symptoms. The answer is yes! Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, palpate the turtles abdomen, and take radiographs (X-rays) to diagnose the problem. Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. If the material is white, the poop may also appear white. Is turtle Pee harmful to humans? Holding your breath while urinating or pushing with your abdominal muscles to speed up the process won't hurt you if you do it once in a while, but if this is an everyday habit, it may weaken your bladder, says Jenny Archer, PT, DPT, a pelvic floor therapist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Generally speaking, a turtle can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment. 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. This will help your pet get used to your presence. The answer to this question depends on the type of turtle. 96 Continue this thread According to Coates, many species of turtles that come from warmer latitudes will also need their water to be heated. Hence, it hurts when it is released. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. And whatever the reason, its important to be prepared for a turtle to pee when you pick it up. Properly clean and disinfect the turtles tank every time it is soiled. Don't confuse "remaining alive" with thriving. By Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. -If your immune system is weak, other health problems may arise. You will also feel the urge to urinate more often and a change in smell can occur. Try feeding your turtle by hand after some time. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. The cloaca is located at the base of the tail, and urine is passed through it using muscular contractions. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. A turtles life is an endless circle of food going in and waste coming outoften at the same time. Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to. 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. A bubbler can help to aerate the water and improve water quality. 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. Aquatic turtles on the other hand still spend a fair amount of time on land as well. Turtles will also beg for food when you pass by their enclosure or venture near that coveted food shelf. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. (Are They Dangerous?). And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. Start off by observing your pet turtle on a regular basis. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. Since most turtles that carry Salmonella are not ill, they usually require no treatment. I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. When you pick up a turtle, its body is suddenly subjected to a different type of gravity than its used to. In fact, all turtles urinate (or have a similar process), including red-eared slider turtles. Lastly, if your turtle is still peeing on you, it may be a sign of a health problem. Some owners even choose to use a soft toothbrush to pet their turtles shell. Your email address will not be published. Second, you can try to train your turtle to urinate in a specific area. Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). Most importantly, wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap every time after handling, feeding your reptile, or cleaning its cage items to help minimize risks of contracting salmonellosis. Just like the excrement of other animals, it contains the body's metabolic waste products which can be harmful for humans especially children and pregnant women. This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. A good guide is tengallons of tank space for each inch of turtle, at a minimum. Advertisement. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. 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. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. Before purchasing a turtle, check the laws in your municipality regarding legal ownership of pet turtles. Can turtle pee hurt you? However, if a turtle doesnt urinate for a long time, it could die. Also, a turtles pee can create problems during the pregnancy. 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. What are the health hazards of dog urine? Turtles pee can carry high levels of urea. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. So, its important that your turtles environment be kept clean. While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. But if you pick them up they'll likely pee on you, so watch out. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down protein. Many other animals, including humans, have this same reflex. Some reptiles can harbor the bacteria as a carrier but not be actively sick with an infection. The answer is yes! 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. While turtles may not relieve themselves when picked up by humans, they are capable of doing so when they feel threatened or stressed. They can also spin around quickly or even lunge. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. In general, turtles urinate less often than other animals because they have a slower metabolism. Turtles require both Ultraviolet A and B light to survive. As you can see in the picture above the cloaca is basically the turtles butt. Sometime they can do things which may surprise us. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. It's not harmful to the turtle itself, however, people can get infected by coming in contact with it. When box turtles actively grow and mate during the spring and summer, they tend to urinate more frequently than in fall and winter. Can box turtle pee hurt you? One theory proposes that turtles are ectotherms, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. So asking yourself if they drink water is quite understandable, especially since they spend most of their time in the water, where it can be quite hard to see what they do. You can find more details on traction wrapping in this article. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Green algae growing on the outside of the shell occurs commonly and can be cleaned off with periodic brushing of the shell with disinfectant cleaners. Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. However, a few things can affect the appearance of turtle pee. Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Two techniques are available for performing surgery on organs contained within the shell. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. 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. FYI, ingesting turtle pee can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Before I wrap up, I want to touch on how you can get your pet turtle to like you. (Are They Dangerous? Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. It is a common problem in reptiles and can be life-threatening. And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. 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. This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. Unless it is a protected species, it is not illegal to own or buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. And they have a well-developed system for getting rid of waste. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. Infection, swelling, or injury damages the urethra, a tube that carries pee out of the body. Box Turtle vs Painted Turtle - What is the Difference. Turtles are more active and playful than most people realize, but they are also naturally nervous and shy animals. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. The most important things to do are to provide a healthy diet, a comfortable environment, and regular exercise. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. A good general rule is to siphon about 1/2 of the water out once a week, replacing it with clean water. There are a few main aspects of survival that are essential to turtles, and if you can take care of these needs, youll be well on your way to creating a close relationship with your turtle. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. 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 pet feels stable and safe, itll be more receptive to interaction. They pee like most of the remaining reptiles. Required fields are marked *. This site 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. Depending on their natural habitat different turtle species are able to get more air through their cloaca than other species, and this is to be expected. Lets start with the cloaca. At this point, your penis should not turtle. The Surprising Answer( With Video). 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. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? It may be a reflection of a dirty tank and infrequent water changes. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. 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. Im Devin Nunn, an average joe that just so happens to have a deep love and passion for everything to do with reptiles. Doing all this correctly will definitely stop your turtle peeing on you every time you pick him up, It does take time and patience but it will be all worth it in the end, Because your turtle will show affection towards you too, Happy you asked because thats what Im going to talk about next. Yes, you read it right. 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;}. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. Hence, if youre interested, hop on the ship. Even if using the cloaca is less exhausting for the turtle, in normal circumstances a turtle wont be able to survive for long periods of time using only the cloaca. Not only is it smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. People infected. Another is that the acid in turtle pee can eat away at the skin, causing warts. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. 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. A turtle bite can be dangerous depending on the species of turtle and its age. The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. If your turtle does stop eating and you are concerned that it may be ill, be sure to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. Not only will you be able to avoid getting peed on in the future, but your turtle will be much happier and can even grow to form a bond with you. We have lots more on the site to show you. Can box turtle pee hurt you? However most turtles enjoy being petted on their shells, but some dont like it when you touch their heads or legs. Its true! The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. It could be that your turtle is marking its territory, or it could be a sign of illness. This will help your pet get used to your presence. Your email address will not be published. A gravid turtle with dystocia typically does not eat and rapidly becomes sick, lethargic, or unresponsive. Turtles love being petted, especially around their shells. 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 this substance is concentrated, it can be harmful to humans. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. 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. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. A dirty habitat is often the cause of turtles peeing on their owners. When a turtle feels very threatened they will bite you and then they won't let go. If you don't have young children, turtles can be great pets, but they require extra care to avoid passing salmonella to your kids. 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. Although shell fractures can be serious, the shell is bone and often can be repaired. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. 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. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if theyre not used to being held. Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. We dont know many things about them yet or arent sure. Happy turtles will eat their meals enthusiastically and appear excited when presented with food. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. And that can be detrimental for humans if ingested or made contact with the skin. Start gently and gradually. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children.