Just as important, any vet can test an animal for Salmonella. Generally, a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is good. You are dehydrated When you drink water, these toxins get absorbed in it and eventually exit out from your body. Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? This will cause a lot more damage than a simple snap. But then why do some people claim their turtles pee smell bad? 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. This will happen because your turtle will think that you are a predator and that you are trying to eat it. Therefore, when you're planning on handling a turtle, it's best to be prepared for a potential wetting. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. They should excrete in natures order just as we normally imagine. 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. Home Turtles Why Did My Turtle Pee on Me? Required fields are marked *. 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. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. Can turtle pee hurt you? (Are They Dangerous? Turtle peeing on you can be quite a nuisance. Splashing around in the water and basking regularly are some other signs of a happy turtle. All animals have defense mechanisms, but some of them may seem stranger than others. Do make sure to read its body language. Can box turtle pee hurt you? Turtles need a platform to stand on. as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. Dysuria means you feel pain or a burning sensation when you pee (urinate). Many turtles know the sight and sounds of their owners, even though most people don't. 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? 26 Ken Saladin 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. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. Additionally, the amount of urine a box turtle produces can also differ depending on the season. You may also have other symptoms, including: 1. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. 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. 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. 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 pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. So, you can follow our instructions above, and dont forget to discuss with a professional if necessary. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. In most turtle species, females will grow quite a bit larger than males, so this is also important to consider, she adds. Sea turtle shells consist of bones, which are . And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? 2011-09-12 15:23:38. . If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. 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. If your turtle does stop eating and you are concerned that it may be ill, be sure to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. Start gently and gradually. Another is that the acid in turtle pee can eat away at the skin, causing warts. Some turtles are more outgoing and curious than others, making them more likely to enjoy being handled. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. Here you will also find countless interesting turtle facts about turtles, tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. Also, when turtles feel stressed or threatened, they could do the same. 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. So, its important that your turtles environment be kept clean. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a 4 inch shell. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Changes to your usual vaginal discharge. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. And if a snapping turtle bites you this way, the danger is even bigger due to their sharp beaks that can cut through the meat the more they maintain the bite. One of the most pronounced ones is its potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into your contact. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. They can also spin around quickly or even lunge. A dirty habitat is often the cause of turtles peeing on their owners. Turtles love being petted, especially around their shells. Can turtle pee hurt you? Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to. Turtles process urination as they consume liquid. If you come across a turtle on the ground or have one yourself, you may be tempted to pick it up. 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. First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. This happens because excess sugar can build up in your blood . We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. 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. Turtles love being outside, especially during springtime. There is also the risk of one or both animals being injured, or possibly killed, by a falling aquarium. 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. This will help your pet get used to your presence. Most commonly, it is associated with poor husbandry, including improper environmental temperature or light cycles, inadequate nest sites, and/or improper diet (malnutrition). If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. What do we learn here? Excessive algal growth on the shell that penetrates the shell surface may require medical attention from a veterinarian. Even if using the cloaca is less exhausting for the turtle, in normal circumstances a turtle wont be able to survive for long periods of time using only the cloaca. When the turtle is ready to relieve itself, the urine passes through the cloaca and out of the body. Its a white, crystalline substance that is relatively insoluble in water. Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs.. Turtles feel much safer there and you can gradually get them used to being touched without feeling scared. Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. Turtles will also beg for food when you pass by their enclosure or venture near that coveted food shelf. On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. For one, the frequency of urination can vary depending on the time of year. Therefore, its not hazardous if it comes in contact with your skin. A good general rule is to siphon about 1/2 of the water out once a week, replacing it with clean water. 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. Are turtles expensive to keep? If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. So, its best to be careful and keep clean. Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down protein.