can turtle pee hurt you can turtle pee hurt you

While it may be unpleasant to deal with, theres no need to be concerned if your turtle urinates when picked up. A common opinion among turtle owners is that turtles pee when picked up because theyre scared. Weve identified a few more theories through our research and observation on why turtles pee on you when picked up. 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). Your email address will not be published. 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. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. Can box turtle pee hurt you? Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. If he does, then give him a few light pats. So, the answer is yes, red-eared slider turtles do pee. Turtle pee can harm humans in several ways: -Turtle pee contains bacteria that may cause infections in mucous membranes or open wounds. Also, their bladder is located near their tail, and picking them up can put pressure on their bladder and cause them to release urine. Both require the experience of a knowledgeable reptile veterinarian. For one, the frequency of urination can vary depending on the time of year. They should excrete in natures order just as we normally imagine. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Do Turtles Pee? Dog urine can contain ammonia and bacteria that can irritate the sinuses, lungs, and eyes and cause respiratory issues. 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. 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. Hence people always come with some unique queries. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. You might just adore your turtles so much that you tend to pet them so frequently that it stresses them out. Im Devin Nunn, an average joe that just so happens to have a deep love and passion for everything to do with reptiles. They will drown in a tank of water. So turtles do pee, but why dont we see them do it? While pet ownership has turned manyunlikely combinations of animals into lifelong friends(and cute internet memes), it only takes a moment for instinct to take over and turn a friend into food. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. 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. Your email address will not be published. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. Known by the cloudy, red or brownish-red color of urine. 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. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. People infected. And land turtles that dont spend any time underwater have little to no use for the breathing abilities of the cloaca. But no, this is never a good idea. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to use food to develop a relationship. Read our advice on understanding. Before purchasing a turtle, check the laws in your municipality regarding legal ownership of pet turtles. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. On the other hand, a turtle may urinate less often when it is cold, and its body is not producing as much waste. Can turtle pee hurt you? Common UTI Symptoms. 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. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). What are the health hazards of dog urine? Posted July 22, 2018. Do make sure to read its body language. 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. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Its true! When the turtle is ready to relieve itself, the urine passes through the cloaca and out of the body. vent), which is located at the base of their tail (we have discussed it above). If they find themselves far from the ground, they would just pee on you. You've only seen one page. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. Start gently and gradually. Turtle peeing on you can be quite a nuisance. Dark brown. If you are a woman, you are more prone to UTI or urinary tract infection than men. Do turtles pee? To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Therefore, that can cause the turtles muscles to relax, including those that control its bladder. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. So before touching their shells, check to see whether your turtle likes being handled. 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. Not only is it smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. Use a filter to keep the tank clean and be sure to change the filter regularly. It could be that your turtle is marking its territory, or it could be a sign of illness. Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. Since the turtle can't digest the material, it should come out with feces. So, yes! Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. But this can also be dangerous We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and tortoises. So, you can follow our instructions above, and dont forget to discuss with a professional if necessary. Are turtles expensive to keep? Will turtle pee hurt you? Taking good care of your pet is the first step to relieving any stress it may feel. So turtles do pee, but why don't we see them do it? The answer is yes; turtles can pee. Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. Turtles feel much safer in water than on land, and handling turtles in water helps acclimate them to touch. 26 Ken Saladin . So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? Remember that just because your turtle accepts your affection sometimes does not mean that it will always be receptive to human interaction. Theres never any harm in asking for advice and getting a quick checkup! It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. Required fields are marked *. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A good general rule is to siphon about 1/2 of the water out once a week, replacing it with clean water. Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. 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). (Are They Dangerous?). If you don't have young children, turtles can be great pets, but they require extra care to avoid passing salmonella to your kids. When theyre picked up, they may feel cold and release urine as a way to warm themselves up. But then why do some people claim their turtles pee smell bad? Yes, they do! Simply make sure that your turtle is provided with a healthy diet, clean water, a well-conditioned tank, and a warm basking spot. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. The young and the elderly are more at risk for complications. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. Otherwise, leave your turtle alone until she gets used to being touched. Some even try to get close enough to kiss our hands. 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. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If it does, you can try some low intensity exercises. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. Yes, you read it right. 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. If so, youre not alone! Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. And there is the same threat of Salmonella infection from turtles to other pets as there is to humans (see the previous slide). Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. Moreover, if your turtle isnt used to handling by you or humans, it could pee on you as a defense mechanism. It's not recommended to come into contact with dog urine, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues like COPD and asthma. This may sound like a silly question, but it gets asked a lot! Many other animals, including humans, have this same reflex. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. The answer to this question depends on the type of turtle. Some owners even choose to use a soft toothbrush to pet their turtles shell. Lets start with the cloaca. Turtles can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans, so its necessary to wash your hands after handling one. . However, a few things can affect the appearance of turtle pee. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. Start gently and gradually. Turtles that feel affection towards their owners will often follow them around. However, if a turtle doesnt urinate for a long time, it could die. Additionally, the amount of urine a box turtle produces can also differ depending on the season. When a turtle feels very threatened they will bite you and then they won't let go. 3 1989 Zappa Fam. So, if you see a turtle peeing when its scared, dont be alarmed. In the spring and summer, when theyre eating more and their metabolism is higher, box turtles produce more urine than in the other seasons. You might not realize it, but turtling can be a result of problems with your enlargement routine. We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. For example, if a turtle is dehydrated, its pee will be darker in color. Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. Aquatic turtles on the other hand still spend a fair amount of time on land as well. 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. Sea turtle shells consist of bones, which are . 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. So, youre looking for a new companion pet and youve decided that aTestudinecould be the right fit for you. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if they're not used to being held. This is a natural reflex that helps them to escape from predators or other threats. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. Turtles feel much safer there and you can gradually get them used to being touched without feeling scared. However, that is just a case of Hollywood artistic license in reality, turtles cannot pee in this way. And a few theories backed it from the behind. Unless it is a protected species, it is not illegal to own or buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). How Can You Stop Turtle Peeing on you? 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). However, these tests only show infection if they are shedding the bacteria in their stool at that time.. Some owners feed their turtlesin a separate area to avoid this from happening. A turtle bite can be dangerous depending on the species of turtle and its age. Turtles process urination as they consume liquid. We have lots more on the site to show you. Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs.. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. It is a common problem in reptiles and can be life-threatening. 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? Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. But this isnt verified or proven information. As we mentioned earlier, Salmonella is a serious disease. If the penis stays out, it can become traumatized and swollen or can be bitten by another turtle, preventing it from reverting back into the shell and ultimately causing a serious problem. 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. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Try to avoid frequent and excessive handling of your turtle. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. 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 . A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. Some reptiles can harbor the bacteria as a carrier but not be actively sick with an infection. There is a common misconception that turtles dont urinate. These simple precautions are simply your best protection againstgetting sick. So, lets continue. Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. So, now you know why do turtles pee when picked up. This happens because excess sugar can build up in your blood . Set up your myVCA account today. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. 96 Continue this thread Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the belief is widespread. If you come across a turtle on the ground or have one yourself, you may be tempted to pick it up. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? 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. 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. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. You are dehydrated When you drink water, these toxins get absorbed in it and eventually exit out from your body. All animals have defense mechanisms, but some of them may seem stranger than others. Advertisement. Turtles express their love through eye contact rather than physical touch. 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. Turtles are more active and playful than most people realize, but they are also naturally nervous and shy animals. For instance, touching, picking them up or just constant tapping on the glass of the tank is enough to leave them distressed. 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. While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. One theory proposes that turtles are ectotherms, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. One of the most pronounced ones is its potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into your contact. But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. When you drink less, the yellow color becomes stronger. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that theyre experiencing stress. Orange. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. 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. Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. (Are They Dangerous? Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. Its just doing what comes naturally! ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Just be sure to use warm water and avoid getting water in their nose or eyes. With proper handling and caution, you can reduce the frequency or even totally stop this incident. Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. We hope you will enjoy the site and that you will find what youre looking for.. One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. 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. Turtles urine contains high levels of uric acid, which can lead to gout, kidney stones, and even cancer. Most pet owners can recognize when their pet is stressed or feels like its in danger, but some behaviors can take you by surprise! 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. Stand nearby your tank while slowly moving around and this will help your pet get used to your presence. Turtle pee contains a substance called urea. In general, red eared slider turtles will urinate several times a day. 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;}. We really appreciate the kindness and support that you show us! When this substance is concentrated, it can be harmful to humans. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. Splashing around in the water and basking regularly are some other signs of a happy turtle. Soft-shelled turtles from China can essentially expel pee from their mouths, researchers say. The turtle also may not be getting appropriate ultraviolet light. As with any pet, its best to opt for a larger enclosure than to find yourself stuck with one thats too small. Nothing bad will happen if you touch turtle pee, just make sure that you wash or disinfect your hands before you touch anything else. Turtles love being outside, especially during springtime. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the species. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. 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). It may be a reflection of a dirty tank and infrequent water changes. 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. Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. Happy turtles will eat their meals enthusiastically and appear excited when presented with food. This will help to remove any bacteria that may be causing your turtle to urinate more frequently. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise you. 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. Turtle Pee Can Be Lethal! Before I wrap up, I want to touch on how you can get your pet turtle to like you. The team also found that the turtles carry a gene that produces a specialized protein that. How Can I Make My Turtle Feel Comfortable Being Handled? Usually, turtle pee doesnt stink or smell bad. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. Removal of the stones generally requires surgery plus fluid therapy to prevent kidney damage. If the material is white, the poop may also appear white. Today I saw a painted turtle in the road and moved him. Understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimize future health care issues. And its perfectly natural for turtles to let out a little urine when theyre feeling stressed, excited, or scared. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the . However most turtles enjoy being petted on their shells, but some dont like it when you touch their heads or legs. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. Also, a turtles pee can create problems during the pregnancy. If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work: 1. 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. 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. Yes, affectively from research from scientists, according to men only, earthworm urine can immensely be affective and sting to . Have you ever held a turtle and felt a warm stream of urine run down your arm? The pee they released on you isnt actually urine. They will also begin associating your presence with something good. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. You see, Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. Stress and pressure could cause your turtle to pee on you, or defecate. While turtles generally don't go out of their way to do so, they may release urine as a defense mechanism if they feel threatened or are startled. Watch how he reacts while eating and move slowly towards him so he knows you are near. In general, turtles urinate less often than other animals because they have a slower metabolism. Splashing around in the water and basking regularly are some other signs of a happy turtle. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. The skin of turtles periodically (and normally) sheds off in pieces. Not only is it illegal to keep most native turtle species as pets, but it's almost impossible to provide habitat where the turtle can thrive. When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. 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. Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. Generally, a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is good. They have a well-developed urinary system, and they excrete waste through their cloaca (a.k.a. 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. Heck, that was probably where our first encounter with turtles was, near the waters. Excessive algal growth on the shell that penetrates the shell surface may require medical attention from a veterinarian. But, in reality, turtles dont have the ability to produce urine. 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. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. Because aquatic turtles poop in the water, they can get . There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. A lack of safe drinking water is a common result of disasters, natural or otherwise. Some people may have believed that turtles pee out of their mouths because of a scene in the popular movie Finding Nemo. 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. The process is just a little different for each species. Do not grab the sides of the shell of a Snapping Turtle as the head may whip around and bite you. Your veterinarian will discuss dietary and environmental modifications to try to prevent stones from reforming. Once this is accomplished, the turtle will swim now and then for excercise when he wants. Some turtles with urinary tract infections or other health issues will urinate more frequently and even urinate outside their habitat.