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 . 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. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. You might not realize it, but turtling can be a result of problems with your enlargement routine. A turtle bite can be dangerous depending on the species of turtle and its age. (Are They Dangerous? Turtles that feel affection towards their owners will often follow them around. Many turtles know the sight and sounds of their owners, even though most people don't. When turtles get scared they can basically pee on themselves. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. If you have a UTI the tubes and your bladder get red and irritated (inflammation). When box turtles actively grow and mate during the spring and summer, they tend to urinate more frequently than in fall and winter. You shouldn't force yourself to pee if you don't have to for medical reasons. Just as important, any vet can test an animal for Salmonella. However, it is important to note that not all turtles will react this way. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. But this can also be dangerous We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and tortoises. I have been an animal enthusiast for many years now and I love them. If you enjoy the content that we create, please consider saying a "Thank You!" If he does, then give him a few light pats. You see, Turtles urinate when they're stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. How Can You Stop Turtle Peeing on you? However, a few things make box turtles urinary habits unique. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. But no, this is never a good idea. Bacteria Your body is home to many different colonies of healthy. 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. In fact, all turtles pee. Before I wrap up, I want to touch on how you can get your pet turtle to like you. 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. Any prolapsed tissue represents a potentially life-threatening problem that should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. They have a well-developed urinary system, and they excrete waste through their cloaca (a.k.a. Dysuria means you feel pain or a burning sensation when you pee (urinate). Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? If you hold them less, they will be less likely to feel the need to urinate. 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 can get turtles that come with balls, ropes, and many other fun items.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-leader-1','ezslot_13',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-leader-1-0'); These types of toys not only provide entertainment, but they also give your pet something to do. It is transmitted in an animal's feces (pronounced FEE-seez), which is a scientific word for poop. And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. Therefore, its not hazardous if it comes in contact with your skin. Its a white, crystalline substance that is relatively insoluble in water. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. Similarly, a turtle with gastrointestinal parasites and diarrhea may strain to defecate and prolapse part of the large intestine or the cloaca (the common chamber into which the gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary tracts empty) out of the vent. If they find themselves far from the ground, they would just pee on you. Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. Heck, that was probably where our first encounter with turtles was, near the waters. Is Turtle Pee Harmful to Humans? - Small Pets 101 Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. Luckily, the turtle's cloaca -- the rear end hole (not an anus) that allows the reptile to excrete, urinate, and lay its eggs -- features two sacs, or bursa, which more efficiently absorb oxygen. It could be that your turtle is marking its territory, or it could be a sign of illness. Turtles love being outside, especially during springtime. There are a few reasons why your turtle might be peeing on you. 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. Once your turtle is comfortable eating from your hand, try lightly petting its neck and head while it eats. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. All animals have defense mechanisms, but some of them may seem stranger than others. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Hence, if you come into contact with turtle pee, be sure to wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. 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;}. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Additionally, the amount of urine a box turtle produces can also differ depending on the season. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. This will help your pet get used to your presence. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Do box turtles have bacteria? - Sage-Answer Will turtle pee hurt you? This will help your pet get used to your presence. So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. Can turtle pee hurt you? 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. Check the shell closely for any signs of abnormalities suggesting disease. The answer to this question depends on the type of turtle. When it comes to filtration, it is recommended that you opt for a turtle tank filter system that is strong enough to filter a tank twice the size of yours. While at first, this doesnt seem like a very efficient defense, it actually is. If you provide this regularly, then they will learn to expect it at any given moment. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? (Are They Dangerous? Can I put baking soda in my turtle tank? - Global FAQ 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. Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. . However, it's better to leave the turtle alone if it appears fearful and threatened by you. They tend to pee more often on you due to wrong and frequent handling. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. Manage Settings Are Snapping Turtles Dangerous? (with Bite Facts and Videos) - Turtle Owner If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. 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. Im Devin Nunn, an average joe that just so happens to have a deep love and passion for everything to do with reptiles. 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. Also, you can try to handle your turtle less. 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. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Second, you can try to train your turtle to urinate in a specific area. They pee like most of the remaining reptiles. No, turtles do not pee in their shell. 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. One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. And whatever the reason, its important to be prepared for a turtle to pee when you pick it up. There is also the risk of one or both animals being injured, or possibly killed, by a falling aquarium. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. For instance, touching, picking them up or just constant tapping on the glass of the tank is enough to leave them distressed. Therefore, when you're planning on handling a turtle, it's best to be prepared for a potential wetting. In general, an unhappy turtle is a lazy turtle. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. Hence people always come with some unique queries. So, do turtles pee when scared? Is Dog Urine Harmful to Humans? Answers You Should Know - PetDT Therefore, its worth noting that box turtles arent the only turtles that pee. Frank Zappa You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. The answer is yes! FYI, ingesting turtle pee can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. We really appreciate the kindness and support that you show us! Turtle urine can contain harmful bacteria that can cause infections. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that theyre experiencing stress. Pet turtles may accidentally be dropped or may fall off tables if they escape from their aquariums or are left unattended. Are turtles expensive to keep? However, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. Are Red Eared Sliders Dangerous? - AquaticPals This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. Orange. Many other animals, including humans, have this same reflex. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. This may be because warts are often found on the hands and feet, the same body parts that come into contact with turtles. If you are a woman, you are more prone to UTI or urinary tract infection than men. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. Weve identified a few more theories through our research and observation on why turtles pee on you when picked up. He peed all over me. A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to. Hermann tortoises are known for eating everything that you put in front of them. Wiki User. Never enter the safe zone! There is a common misconception that turtles dont urinate. In the water, shed skin appears as a whitish, "fuzzy" substance coming off the skin that is sometimes mistaken for fungus or other disease. Otherwise, leave your turtle alone until she gets used to being touched. And also one of the places from where they breathe. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. Offer him some pumpkin to see if that helps. 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. Make sure your turtle does not get stressed! One theory proposes that turtles are ectotherms, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to use food to develop a relationship. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. Whether turtle, tortoise or terrapin, a pet with four legs and a shell can make for a fine companion. Thick urine in men and women - Medical diagnosis Run the water Turn on the faucet in. So the quantity of pee that gets out is very small, which makes it very hard to see. Its likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. Hi, my name is Edward Cohen. Keep any enclosure back from the edges of shelves, tables, or bureaus, and secure cords going to and from lights, heaters, and filters to avoid both tripping and curious mouths. Instead, they excrete a waste product called uric acid, which is a byproduct of their metabolism. Can Sea Turtles Hold Their Breath For 5 Hours? - Mastery Wiki Cloudy white. Why some turtles breathe through their butts - upi.com 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. Yes, There's A Wrong Way To Pee. Urologists Share 7 Common Mistakes During hibernation, they will stop eating and slow their movements; their metabolism also slows, and their immune system function becomes suppressed. Contrary to popular belief, turtles can become attached to their owners. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. But if you must, make sure to handle them gently and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. If you put them down on the floor, they might inch closer and closer to you. Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). Can box turtle pee hurt you? The answer is yes! Not only the turtle's pee is harmful to humans, but it can also cause serious complications leading to death. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. In general, turtles urinate less often than other animals because they have a slower metabolism. As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. Will I get sick? Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. Turtles feel much safer there and you can gradually get them used to being touched without feeling scared. read more On ReptileJam.com we have a deep passion and interest for all kinds of reptiles. Theres never any harm in asking for advice and getting a quick checkup! The Surprising Answer( With Video). 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). Any of these foods can be dusted with calcium powder to provide an extra boost of this vital nutrient. While controversial, most veterinarians feel it is best to try to prevent captive red-eared sliders from hibernating, since hibernation is very stressful on the body, and sub-clinical illnesses can manifest themselves during the immunocompromise that accompanies hibernation. This video was supported by KiwiCo. 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. Yes, you read it right. Do Or Can Turtles Pee? - Nursing Pets They too would like some space of their own and have peace of mind, if not they might pee on you as a sign of distress as soon as you pick them up. Soft-shelled turtles from China can essentially expel pee from their mouths, researchers say. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. During the mid-1970s, some young children contracted Salmonella from their pet turtles. 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. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. 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. Nitrogen is what gives urine its characteristic odor. We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. TurtleOwner.com is owned and operated by The Turtle Owner Team. Moreover, you can consider bathing your turtle. Can box turtle pee hurt you? Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. 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. We dont know many things about them yet or arent sure. However, land turtles urinate every day or two. This reflex is often triggered when theyre picked up, leading to an accidental release of urine. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. You might just adore your turtles so much that you tend to pet them so frequently that it stresses them out. Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. When turtles get scared, they release a small amount of urine. Normal urine has a mild transparent . You can slowly introduce this behavior over several days. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. Generally speaking, a turtle can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment. When theyre picked up, they may feel cold and release urine as a way to warm themselves up. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. Urinary tract infection. Turtles require both Ultraviolet A and B light to survive. Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. Can turtle pee hurt you? Remember that just because your turtle accepts your affection sometimes does not mean that it will always be receptive to human interaction. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. 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. When a turtle feels very threatened they will bite you and then they won't let go. 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. 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). Also, when turtles feel stressed or threatened, they could do the same. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators?