can turtle pee hurt you can turtle pee hurt you

When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. Second, you can try to train your turtle to urinate in a specific area. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Dont make it frequent and dont make it excessive. Answer (1 of 8): Stress can cause any animal to urinate or defecate or both. While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. This odd ability may have helped them invade salty environments, researchers explained.. 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. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if they're not used to being held. Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. Box Turtle vs Painted Turtle - What is the Difference. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. The scutes(plates) of the shell normally flake off as the turtle grows. Try feeding your turtle by hand after some time. 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. Usually, turtle pee doesnt stink or smell bad. If you are a woman, you are more prone to UTI or urinary tract infection than men. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. During the mid-1970s, some young children contracted Salmonella from their pet turtles. 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. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Commonly called bladder stones, cystic calculi occur when minerals from the diet form crystals in the urine, which then stick together and form stones. As they feel frightened, they proceed to pee on you as one of their defensive measures as it allows more space for them to withdraw into their shells and shut it tighter as they do. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a glass of water. Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. What are the health hazards of dog urine? UTI is a common, irritating, and painful sensation experienced when urinating. (Are They Dangerous? 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. 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. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. 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. Also, a turtle may urinate more often when it is hot outside and sweating a lot. Any animal lover would recoil at the prospect of leaving a cat or dog to its own devices in the wild. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? You might just adore your turtles so much that you tend to pet them so frequently that it stresses them out. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. Watch how he reacts while eating and move slowly towards him so he knows you are near. If you need to rehome a turtle, there are any number of internet groups and organizations that might be able to help find a suitable new family for it (see related links below). Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. After all, some say, there are probably other turtles there, and an abundance of food, water, and sunlight. Moreover, you can consider bathing your turtle. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if theyre not used to being held. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. Patience and regular interaction with your turtle are the best ways to help it grow more comfortable with being handled. Salts also accumulate in the plant's leaves, potentially causing . Put a heat light also. But this doesnt mean they dont need to urinate at all. A turtle bite can be dangerous depending on the species of turtle and its age. Nursingpets.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. Clean up all feces right away. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. But then why do some people claim their turtles pee smell bad? Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. 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. Properly clean and disinfect the turtles tank every time it is soiled. Although shell fractures can be serious, the shell is bone and often can be repaired. 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. Over time, they can learn their owners voice, pick up their scent and even recognize them by sight. 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). It goes without saying that pets of different types might need to be kept apartor watched closely when theyre in the same proximity. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. Whether turtle, tortoise or terrapin, a pet with four legs and a shell can make for a fine companion. People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. So, should you pick up a turtle? If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. This kind of thing can also be a deliberate defensive mea. Many of these children did not exercise proper hygiene (such as washing their hands after handling the turtles and even placing the turtles in their mouths). How Can I Make My Turtle Feel Comfortable Being Handled? Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. The most important health rule for turtle keepers is to wash your hands before and after handling your turtle or its habitat. The pee they released on you isnt actually urine. Its always best to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your turtle or cleaning its enclosure. You are dehydrated When you drink water, these toxins get absorbed in it and eventually exit out from your body. But this isnt verified or proven information. https://www.quora.com/Why-do-turtles-urinate-when-you-pick-them-up-for-short-periods-of-time#:~:text=They%20urinate%20because%20they%20are,so%20far%20from%20the%20ground.&text=Because%20you%20scared%20the%20piss,they%20withdraw%20into%20their%20shells. When theyre picked up, they may feel cold and release urine as a way to warm themselves up. read more On ReptileJam.com we have a deep passion and interest for all kinds of reptiles. 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. First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. Otherwise, leave your turtle alone until she gets used to being touched. Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. If your turtle isnt interested, then try offering live food like cricket nymphs to get him/her excited. Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. Continue with Recommended Cookies. You shouldnt pick up your pet turtle too quickly; even though he/she seems accustomed to being handled, you never know how much stress this activity causes him/her. 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). Its likely that the way you handled your pet made it feel like it was in danger. 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. 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. as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. 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. This mechanism can be seen quite easily if you are a new turtle owner. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. If you hold them less, they will be less likely to feel the need to urinate. Stand nearby your tank while slowly moving around and this will help your pet get used to your presence. But if you must, make sure to handle them gently and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Hence, when a turtle is picked up, its body releases a hormone called adrenaline. Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. -If your immune system is weak, other health problems may arise. So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? Read our advice on understanding turtle behavior and forming a relationship with your turtle below! If your turtle seems uninterested in food and hunting, its likely to be unhappy. Weve identified a few more theories through our research and observation on why turtles pee on you when picked up. Heres a detailed article that may interest you: Why Do Turtles Pee When Picked Up? 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;}. Before I wrap up, I want to touch on how you can get your pet turtle to like you. Every little bit can help us tremendously in continuing to create quality content that helps turtle and tortoise owners around the world. Dark brown. A good general rule is to siphon about 1/2 of the water out once a week, replacing it with clean water. A turtles life is an endless circle of food going in and waste coming outoften at the same time. Splashing around in the water and basking regularly are some other signs of a happy turtle. Once your turtle is comfortable eating from your hand, try lightly petting its neck and head while it eats. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. So turtles do pee, but why dont we see them do it? Thick urine in men and women. A lot of predators have a very sensible smell and based on the smell of their prey they can decide if its a good meal or not. If it does, you can try some low intensity exercises. Normal urine has a mild transparent . After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise you. Our most recent posts that may interest you: Turtle anatomy is different from ours, but they still have to go to the bathroom. 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. Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. Additionally, if a turtle has been eating a lot of fruits or vegetables, its pee may be a brighter color. Your email address will not be published. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. Answer. So, its best to be careful and keep clean. Moreover, if your turtle isnt used to handling by you or humans, it could pee on you as a defense mechanism. Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. Instead, they will only do so if they are ill or trying to conserve water. Yes, you read it right. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. Turtle Pee Can Be Lethal! Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. Even if you opt for a screen top for your tank, its best if the cells of that screen are as wide as possible to allow ample UVB lightto reach the turtle. Can turtle pee hurt you? So, its better to be careful. The second reason is that they live in water, where pee is kind of hard to see, especially if you take the small quantity that they let out, into consideration. Will turtle pee hurt you? Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. However, these tests only show infection if they are shedding the bacteria in their stool at that time.. Your email address will not be published. . While your local pet store is unlikely to accept your turtle, they might be able to steer you in the right direction or allow you to post on their community boards. 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. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. I have been an animal enthusiast for many years now and I love them. They will drown in a tank of water. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. Never enter the safe zone! Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. This can cause by several reasons like the food theyre eating (fish), your turtles may suffering from dehydration or infection. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. You see, Turtles urinate when they're stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. 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. Can turtle pee hurt you? Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. Simply put, turtles are dirty. 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. And the most renowned assumption is that its a type of defense mechanism for turtles. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. Coates says that UV-B light is especially important for turtles because it plays a major role in the production of Vitamin D3, which is needed for the absorption and metabolism of calcium. A lack of Vitamin D can cause stunted shell growth, bone disorders, and generally shorten the life of your turtle. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Before purchasing a turtle, check the laws in your municipality regarding legal ownership of pet turtles. . You will also feel the urge to urinate more often and a change in smell can occur. Instead, turtles have bladder problems which cause them to relieve themselves by releasing fluids directly onto their skin. Required fields are marked *. 7 yr. ago Most turtles that cross the roads in Texas are red ears. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. Coming into contact with turtle pee can cause skin irritation and burns.