can turtle pee hurt you

Be careful approaching turtles; coming up behind them is a sure fire way to spook them. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. 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). Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise you. 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. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. Just as important, any vet can test an animal for Salmonella. If your turtle snaps, bites, or hisses, thats a pretty clear indication that you should take a step back and work on bonding with your pet another time. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. Will turtle pee hurt you? Also, when turtles feel stressed or threatened, they could do the same. They will also begin associating your presence with something good. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. Dog urine can contain ammonia and bacteria that can irritate the sinuses, lungs, and eyes and cause respiratory issues. Turtles tend to be more receptive and energetic when theyre warm. The answer is yes! Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. Do snapping turtles recognize their owners? Orange. 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. Its just doing what comes naturally! The answer is yes; turtles can pee. Can box turtle pee hurt you? If given the opportunity, most wild red-eared sliders will attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale. Watch how he reacts while eating and move slowly towards him so he knows you are near. Never enter the safe zone! Frequent urination can also be caused by drinking too many liquids. You can slowly introduce this behavior over several days. Properly clean and disinfect the turtles tank every time it is soiled. 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 that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. Wild turtles are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. Turtles releasing their pee on you is one of their defensive measures against the invasive move. When turtles get scared, they release a small amount of urine. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Required fields are marked *. 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. Most commonly, it is associated with poor husbandry, including improper environmental temperature or light cycles, inadequate nest sites, and/or improper diet (malnutrition). Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. In fact, turtles pee when theyre picked up because theyre excited or could be scared too! So why did my turtle pee on me? Any prolapsed tissue represents a potentially life-threatening problem that should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. So, its best to replace your bulbs every 9 to 12 months, even if theyre still operational. As a result, the turtles body dumps all of its stored urine from the bladder. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. Pet turtles may accidentally be dropped or may fall off tables if they escape from their aquariums or are left unattended. Snapping Turtles are Special Moving Snapping Turtles especially large ones is more challenging. Posted July 22, 2018. If your turtle isnt interested, then try offering live food like cricket nymphs to get him/her excited. Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. A lack of safe drinking water is a common result of disasters, natural or otherwise. Put a heat light also. So turtles do pee, but why don't we see them do it? Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. As with any pet, its best to opt for a larger enclosure than to find yourself stuck with one thats too small. Hence, when a turtle is picked up, its body releases a hormone called adrenaline. If your turtle doesnt show any interest, try using live food like crickets to engage with it. You also might have . Although turtles are certainly not the only reptiles that can carry Salmonella, most turtles carry the infection asymptomatically, in that they do not show signs of illness. Excessive algal growth on the shell that penetrates the shell surface may require medical attention from a veterinarian. Urine will contain lots of things that plants like such as water and nitrates, which can act like fertilizers. UVB rays cannot penetrate glass, however, so glass tank tops will negate the benefits of any sort of overhead lighting. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. If youre buying a turtle as a baby or hatchling, its imperative that you consider the approximate size your turtle will be when its fully grown. 3. "Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat," according to the U.S. In general, red eared slider turtles will urinate several times a day. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. Its a white, crystalline substance that is relatively insoluble in water. While the natural instincts of turtles would probably kick in, a turtle that has been captive most or all of its life will not have the keen hunting skills of a wild one. While turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell, they generally dont do so on a regular basis. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. Weve identified a few more theories through our research and observation on why turtles pee on you when picked up. When a turtle feels very threatened they will bite you and then they won't let go. While it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. 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. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. Start gently and gradually. Hissing expels air while urinating and defecating allow more space for your turtle to withdraw into its shell. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. A healthy, gravid (with eggs) turtle may not eat, but will still be bright, active, and alert. Cloudy white. Once this is accomplished, the turtle will swim now and then for excercise when he wants. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if they're not used to being held. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. In general, an unhappy turtle is a lazy turtle. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down protein. Its true! Make sure you put your pet away after he or she plays with these toys because they can chew through anything. Other turtles seem to be terrified of being picked up and try to squirm away or even bite if theyre grabbed. 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. 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. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. Also, their bladder is located near their tail, and picking them up can put pressure on their bladder and cause them to release urine. Also, a turtle may urinate more often when it is hot outside and sweating a lot. Turtles require both Ultraviolet A and B light to survive. They excrete waste in the form of urine, just like any other animal or turtle. And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. Infection, swelling, or injury damages the urethra, a tube that carries pee out of the body. Depending on factors, such as environmental temperature and the amount of water its drinking. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Yes, you read it right. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. Stand nearby your tank while slowly moving around and this will help your pet get used to your presence. Make sure your turtle does not get stressed! Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. In captivity, if the photoperiod (daytime length) is kept at 12-14 hours and the environmental conditions stay warm, then turtles typically do not hibernate. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. Empty conch shells and ping-pong balls can make for fun toys for your pet turtle, and theyll also help to stimulate your pet mentally. Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. We have lots more on the site to show you. On February 23, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the latest outbreak related to tiny turtles, which has so far caused 22 illnesses and one death. The turtle also may not be getting appropriate ultraviolet light. So, its better to be careful. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. 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. Because aquatic turtles poop in the water, they can get . When a predator picks up a turtle, it will often void its bladder as a last-ditch effort to escape. 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. 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. True or False: It's Safe to Drink Your Urine. Patience and regular interactions with your pet turtle are the best way to ensure he/she grows accustomed to handling. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. So, should you pick up a turtle? When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. This is not a problem as long as the penis can go back in. 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. This will help to remove any bacteria that may be causing your turtle to urinate more frequently. Hence, if you come into contact with turtle pee, be sure to wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. When you pick them up out of their consciousness, it startles them, making them pee on you as they are frightened of the sudden touching and lifting. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Do make sure to read its body language. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. 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. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. You shouldnt force it hold a piece of lettuce close to its mouth and wait patiently. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. Once your turtle is comfortable eating from your hand, try lightly petting its neck and head while it eats. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. 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, its best to be careful and keep clean. These simple precautions are simply your best protection againstgetting sick. And well talk about those and a few more related topics in this blog. This may be because warts are often found on the hands and feet, the same body parts that come into contact with turtles. However, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. 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. Small children handling turtles should be supervised to ensure they dont place them near their eyes or mouths and that they wash their hands afterwards. So, the answer is yes, red-eared slider turtles do pee. Here is a short video that shows how cloacal breathing works: Some turtle species like the Olive ridley sea turtle can stay almost 10 hours submerged underwater, and the air that they get through the cloaca is essential for that. Also, you can try to handle your turtle less. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? So the quantity of pee that gets out is very small, which makes it very hard to see. At this point, your penis should not turtle. Lets get into more detail in this article, Before we get into ways on how to stop your turtle peeing on you. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. For example, red eared sliders tend to do best with a water temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. If the material is white, the poop may also appear white. Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. After all, some say, there are probably other turtles there, and an abundance of food, water, and sunlight. Though turtles peeing onto their caregivers is odd and with concerning reasons. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. . TurtleOwner.com is owned and operated by The Turtle Owner Team. 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. Contrary to popular belief, turtles can become attached to their owners. Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. In the water, shed skin appears as a whitish, "fuzzy" substance coming off the skin that is sometimes mistaken for fungus or other disease. Do make sure to read its body language. Before I wrap up, I want to touch on how you can get your pet turtle to like you. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. 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. If you come across a turtle on the ground or have one yourself, you may be tempted to pick it up. If you enjoy the content that we create, please consider saying a "Thank You!" You shouldn't force yourself to pee if you don't have to for medical reasons. 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. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. For instance, touching, picking them up or just constant tapping on the glass of the tank is enough to leave them distressed. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. The process is just a little different for each species. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. Advertisement. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Over time, they can learn their owners voice, pick up their scent and even recognize them by sight. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. In fact, all turtles urinate (or have a similar process), including red-eared slider turtles. And it can also have toxins that can be dangerous to the brain if it comes to contact. Many other animals, including humans, have this same reflex. Turtle Pee Can Be Lethal! And whatever the reason, its important to be prepared for a turtle to pee when you pick it up. This will happen because your turtle will think that you are a predator and that you are trying to eat it. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. Salmonella is a bacteria that lives on their outer skin and shell surfaces. A good general rule is to siphon about 1/2 of the water out once a week, replacing it with clean water. Dont shake your turtle, and dont leave him/her alone too high off the ground. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . The skin of turtles periodically (and normally) sheds off in pieces. But if you're urinating more than nine times a day, there could be an underlying problem, such as an overactive bladder, UTI . Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. Have you ever held a turtle and felt a warm stream of urine run down your arm? This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. 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. On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. But before you do, there are a few things you should know. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. Do turtles pee? When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. However, that is just a case of Hollywood artistic license in reality, turtles cannot pee in this way. Digging and moving around in the aquarium are also positive behaviors that mean your turtle is happy. Commonly called bladder stones, cystic calculi occur when minerals from the diet form crystals in the urine, which then stick together and form stones. The regular color of urine varies. A red-eared slider's shell is remarkably strong, but it can be injured. It is likely based on the individual personalities. 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. Turtles can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans, so its necessary to wash your hands after handling one. Make a habit of giving your turtle its regular mealtime snack each morning and evening. But urine can turn colors far beyond what's typical, including: Red. So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? The scutes(plates) of the shell normally flake off as the turtle grows. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Its thought that male turtles might also use their cloaca to expel sperm during mating, but this has not been proven. While at first, this doesnt seem like a very efficient defense, it actually is. I have been an animal enthusiast for many years now and I love them. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If your turtle seems uninterested in food and hunting, its likely to be unhappy. A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an turtle with these signs immediately. Other contributing factors include the age and physical condition of the animal, injury to or physical obstruction of the reproductive tract from deformed or oversized eggs, physical abnormalities within the reproductive tract or pelvis, infections, constipation, abscesses, or other masses. Can turtle pee hurt you? 2011-09-12 15:23:38. . What do we learn here? Blisters or . A good opportunity to handle your pet turtle is when its getting some sun. But if you pick them up they'll likely pee on you, so watch out. When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. A turtles life is an endless circle of food going in and waste coming outoften at the same time. Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Continue with Recommended Cookies. But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. In male turtles, the penis (which is a surprisingly large, black organ with a spade-shaped end) may periodically prolapse out of the vent and become visible outside the body when the turtle is stressed or acting sexual, but then it should revert back into the shell easily. Urinary tract infection. 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. In the spring and summer, when theyre eating more and their metabolism is higher, box turtles produce more urine than in the other seasons. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. . This kind of thing can also be a deliberate defensive mea. With enough time and patience, your turtle will learn to associate that area with urinating and will start to use it as their designated bathroom spot. If you have any questions left, please feel free to leave them in the comment section and I will answer them as soon as possible. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work: 1. Given that you have a turtle that youre not sure about picking up, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid it. It has the potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into contact with you so you have to be very carefulif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',108,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4-0_1'); .medrectangle-4-multi-108{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}, Thats why its important to alwayswash your hands after handling your turtle, If your turtle has peed on you and you want to stop this behavior carry on reading, If you want your turtle to stop peeing on you its very simple, If you have to handle your turtle, do it in a gentle and calm way. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? And land turtles that dont spend any time underwater have little to no use for the breathing abilities of the cloaca. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. We really appreciate the kindness and support that you show us! But this doesnt mean they dont need to urinate at all. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the belief is widespread. 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 you notice that your turtle's shell is growing irregularly, it may be a sign of malnutrition or even metabolic bone disease. But, if you drink less than 7 to 8 glasses, which is a prescribed limit, your pee becomes more acidic. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. Moreover, if your turtle isnt used to handling by you or humans, it could pee on you as a defense mechanism. Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. Wiki User. 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. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Mistake 2: You Push While Peeing. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. Your email address will not be published. This hormone causes the heart to beat faster and its blood vessels to constrict. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. Known by the cloudy, red or brownish-red color of urine. Can earthworm pee hurt you. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. It could be that your turtle is marking its territory, or it could be a sign of illness. Not only the turtle's pee is harmful to humans, but it can also cause serious complications leading to death. Some reptiles can harbor the bacteria as a carrier but not be actively sick with an infection. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. Dysuria means you feel pain or a burning sensation when you pee (urinate). In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca.

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