can turtle pee hurt you can turtle pee hurt you

The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. Pet turtles may accidentally be dropped or may fall off tables if they escape from their aquariums or are left unattended. 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. But this doesnt mean they dont need to urinate at all. Many turtles know the sight and sounds of their owners, even though most people don't. So why did my turtle pee on me? Are turtles expensive to keep? Its always best to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your turtle or cleaning its enclosure. They tend to pee more often on you due to wrong and frequent handling. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. Start gently and gradually. Usually, turtle pee doesnt stink or smell bad. Changes to your usual vaginal discharge. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. Make a habit of giving your turtle its regular mealtime snack each morning and evening. 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 . Simply make sure that your turtle is provided with a healthy diet, clean water, a well-conditioned tank, and a warm basking spot. Wiki User. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? You can slowly introduce this behavior over several days. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. And the most renowned assumption is that its a type of defense mechanism for turtles. Some turtles are more outgoing and curious than others, making them more likely to enjoy being handled. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. 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. Regardless of the tissue or organ prolapsed, all can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. 5: Lower Exercise Intensity to Prevent Turtling. Your email address will not be published. So, if you see a turtle peeing when its scared, dont be alarmed. While this is mostly considered a horror movie trope, its actually based on reality, since humans possess the same defense mechanism as turtles. This may be because warts are often found on the hands and feet, the same body parts that come into contact with turtles. As we mentioned earlier, Salmonella is a serious disease. When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. You shouldn't force yourself to pee if you don't have to for medical reasons. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. Your email address will not be published. Turtles are interesting creatures. However, these tests only show infection if they are shedding the bacteria in their stool at that time.. How Can I Make Myself Pee? - Healthline: Medical information and health It goes without saying that pets of different types might need to be kept apartor watched closely when theyre in the same proximity. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Most commonly, it is associated with poor husbandry, including improper environmental temperature or light cycles, inadequate nest sites, and/or improper diet (malnutrition). vent), which is located at the base of their tail (we have discussed it above). While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the species. When you pick up a turtle, its body is suddenly subjected to a different type of gravity than its used to. As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. While a cat is probably more likely to have the skill to get up and into your turtles enclosure, never underestimate the brute force of an eager and leaping dog, no matter the size. When a turtle feels very threatened they will bite you and then they won't let go. Do turtles bite? How Dangerous Can Turtle Bites Be? Why do turtles urinate when you pick them up for short periods - Quora Do not grab the sides of the shell of a Snapping Turtle as the head may whip around and bite you. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. Try feeding your turtle by hand after some time. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. Can A Turtle Pee on You? But if you're urinating more than nine times a day, there could be an underlying problem, such as an overactive bladder, UTI . 7 Reasons Why It Might Hurt to PeeAnd How to Fix It - Health 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. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work: 1. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. 7 Things That Can Make Your Pet Turtle Sick, Turtles 101: How to Clean and Care for Your Turtle's Tank, Turtle FAQs: What Kind of Turtle Do I Have and More, any pet has the potential to transmit disease, unlikely combinations of animals into lifelong friends. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. So, even a very small turtle that maxes out ata few inches is going to require a pretty sizable aquarium. 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. And there is the same threat of Salmonella infection from turtles to other pets as there is to humans (see the previous slide). And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a 4 inch shell. Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? The process is just a little different for each species. 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. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. Here are the links to our most recent posts that may interest you: As we mentioned before, there are a number of theories regarding why turtles pee when picked up. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. Why some turtles breathe through their butts - upi.com Read our advice on understanding turtle behavior and forming a relationship with your turtle below! The team also found that the turtles carry a gene that produces a specialized protein that. Your email address will not be published. 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. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise you. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Yes thats right, sometimes a turtle pees on youif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-3-0'); So the question you may be wondering Why did my turtle pee on me? Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. Urine will contain lots of things that plants like such as water and nitrates, which can act like fertilizers. Its a common phenomenon that has puzzled turtle owners and experts for years. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to use food to develop a relationship. 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. Turtles are considered aquatic animals, so by all means they can You would probably notice how eager turtles would poop once they got into the water. How Can You Stop Turtle Peeing on you? If they find themselves far from the ground, they would just pee on you. They have a well-developed urinary system, and they excrete waste through their cloaca (a.k.a. Turtle pee can harm humans in several ways: -Turtle pee contains bacteria that may cause infections in mucous membranes or open wounds. Just be sure to use warm water and avoid getting water in their nose or eyes. . While they don't really cuddle or purr, turtles do have . ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. The cheapest part of turtle ownership is the start up cost of buying a turtle and its habitat. Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. Are Snapping Turtles Dangerous? (with Bite Facts and Videos) - Turtle Owner 10. It is transmitted in an animal's feces (pronounced FEE-seez), which is a scientific word for poop. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. A good general rule is to siphon about 1/2 of the water out once a week, replacing it with clean water. If you want your pet to feel comfortable while playing, then you should consider getting him or her some toys. So, now you know why do turtles pee when picked up. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. 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. Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs.. Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? In most turtle species, females will grow quite a bit larger than males, so this is also important to consider, she adds. But while many turtles appreciate gentle strokes, others wont tolerate any contact at all. While turtles may not relieve themselves when picked up by humans, they are capable of doing so when they feel threatened or stressed. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. But, in reality, turtles dont have the ability to produce urine. 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. 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. Some owners even choose to use a soft toothbrush to pet their turtles shell. With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. One technique involves cutting the shell and then repairing it following the procedure; the second technique involves making an incision in front of and through the muscles of the pelvis and hind limbs to enter the abdominal cavity. Its possible that you might have seen a few horror movies where people that are going to be attacked by monsters or ghosts, pee themselves. No release If you do have a legal pet turtle you can no longer keep, do not release it into the wild. It depends on how much water you drink. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. Hence people always come with some unique queries. 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. This means that they tend to be quite skittish around people they dont know. Required fields are marked *. You might not realize it, but turtling can be a result of problems with your enlargement routine. The cloaca is located at the base of the tail, and urine is passed through it using muscular contractions. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. 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. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. The same goes for adult turtles, peeing on you is a defensive move. The urinary system of a turtle consists of two kidneys, a bladder, and a cloaca. They will drown in a tank of water. Do turtles pee? 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). Learn more about KiwiCo's seven different subscription options here: http://kiwico.com/scishowFrom peeing out of their mo. Orange. Its best for your turtle to have something to rest their feet on, whether thats your hand, arm, or another solid surface you can hold. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. And whatever the reason, its important to be prepared for a turtle to pee when you pick it up. If it does, you can try some low intensity exercises. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. By carefully taking note of your pets behaviors and body language, youll be able to make sure your turtle feels safe, comfortable, and happy! Not only is it smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. I've been a turtle and tortoise owner for 10 years, during which I gained a lot of experience and information, and now I want to share them with everybody that is curious or it's looking for help. Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. The best way to avoid your turtle peeing on you is to handle it properly. One theory proposes that turtles are ectotherms, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. 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. For example, if a turtle is dehydrated, its pee will be darker in color. Start off by observing your pet turtle on a regular basis. On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. 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. 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. So, its important that your turtles environment be kept clean. Why Did My Turtle Pee on Me? - Reptile Jam Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. And do turtles pee is one of them. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. Posted July 22, 2018. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. 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. Dont shake your turtle, and dont leave him/her alone too high off the ground. So, lets continue. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. Do Or Can Turtles Pee? - Nursing Pets Moreover, you can consider bathing your turtle. For instance, baby turtles or hatchlings are more sensitive to touch as they are not used to that. Depending on factors, such as environmental temperature and the amount of water its drinking. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. For example, red eared sliders tend to do best with a water temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.. Even if your turtle is used to being picked up, try not to handle it for an extended period of time. If so, youre not alone! Turtles Urinate Via Their MouthsA First - Animals However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. Most pet owners can recognize when their pet is stressed or feels like its in danger, but some behaviors can take you by surprise! Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. Remember that just because your turtle accepts your affection sometimes does not mean that it will always be receptive to human interaction. And the pee looks like a clear, yellow liquid and is often compared to lemonade or urine. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. By 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. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. The shell may be soft, bumpy, or asymmetrical. Frank Zappa You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. With appropriate treatment healthy adults tend to recover from infection with Salmonella bacteria relatively quickly. The more water you drink, the less concentrated your urine is. We have lots more on the site to show you. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. Dysuria means you feel pain or a burning sensation when you pee (urinate). They can also spin around quickly or even lunge. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. 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). Hermann tortoises are known for eating everything that you put in front of them. While at first, this doesnt seem like a very efficient defense, it actually is. Infection, swelling, or injury damages the urethra, a tube that carries pee out of the body. 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. According to Coates, many species of turtles that come from warmer latitudes will also need their water to be heated. But before you do, there are a few things you should know. Is Drinking Urine Good for You? Benefits, Risks, and More - Healthline Not all turtles that use their cloaca for breathing are able to achieve such long periods underwater, but they are able to spend a lot more time than they would have without the cloaca. The answer to this question depends on the type of turtle. 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. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. Patience and regular interaction with your turtle are the best ways to help it grow more comfortable with being handled. This behavior helps turtles bond with each other and shows how much they care for others. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. 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. 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. While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. Legislation was then passed in the United States making it illegal to sell turtles with a shell length smaller than 4 inches (10 cm) to try to prevent children from putting small turtles into their mouths. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. Contrary to popular belief, turtles can become attached to their owners. Your email address will not be published. Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. It is caused by a variety of factors. A good guide is tengallons of tank space for each inch of turtle, at a minimum. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. 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. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. When a turtle has cystic calculi, there may be blood in its droppings. Make sure your turtle does not get stressed! Can box turtle pee hurt you? Find out yours. 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. 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. Therefore, its not hazardous if it comes in contact with your skin. What are the health hazards of dog urine? 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. 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. Another theory suggests that turtles dont have the same muscle control as other animals. 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. Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. 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. A turtle bite can be dangerous depending on the species of turtle and its age. 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. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. 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. If your turtle doesnt show any interest, try using live food like crickets to engage with it. If your turtle does stop eating and you are concerned that it may be ill, be sure to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. But this can also be dangerous We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and tortoises. Weve identified a few more theories through our research and observation on why turtles pee on you when picked up. In the spring and summer, when theyre eating more and their metabolism is higher, box turtles produce more urine than in the other seasons. The yellow color is probably urine. But, if you drink less than 7 to 8 glasses, which is a prescribed limit, your pee becomes more acidic. Excessive algal growth on the shell that penetrates the shell surface may require medical attention from a veterinarian. But this isnt verified or proven information. Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. 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. You will need to supplement ambient light with a quality UV light source placed over the tank. Im Devin Nunn, an average joe that just so happens to have a deep love and passion for everything to do with reptiles. Is Dog Urine Harmful to Humans? Answers You Should Know - PetDT True or False: It's Safe to Drink Your Urine. They pee like most of the remaining reptiles. These include rubbing their heads and necks against their owner, licking faces, and even biting. The answer is yes! Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. However, if a turtle doesnt urinate for a long time, it could die. When a predator picks up a turtle, it will often void its bladder as a last-ditch effort to escape. (Are They Dangerous? As a result, the turtles body dumps all of its stored urine from the bladder. Lastly, turtles have a natural reflex that causes them to urinate when their abdomen is stimulated. Can box turtle pee hurt you? Do Turtles Pee? 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 it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. Are mississippi map turtles aggressive? - Vote For Bell Understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimize future health care issues. ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? Young turtles may not be strong enough to break your skin, but those with a sharp beak would probably cause harm.