However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Second, you can try to train your turtle to urinate in a specific area. Every little bit can help us tremendously in continuing to create quality content that helps turtle and tortoise owners around the world. Also, it can cause other health issues if you have a weak immune system. If you don't have young children, turtles can be great pets, but they require extra care to avoid passing salmonella to your kids. So, its important that your turtles environment be kept clean. And the most renowned assumption is that its a type of defense mechanism for turtles. 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. 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. Urine color - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. Turtles that feel affection towards their owners will often follow them around. 3 1989 Zappa Fam. So, its best to be careful and keep clean. Is it OK to touch a sea turtle? - Global FAQ 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. You see, Turtles urinate when they're stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. The answer to this question depends on the type of turtle. These include rubbing their heads and necks against their owner, licking faces, and even biting. If your pet feels stable and safe, itll be more receptive to interaction. 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. Stress and pressure could cause your turtle to pee on you, or defecate. Also, when turtles feel stressed or threatened, they could do the same. Health and Safety Information for Aquatic Turtle Keepers 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. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. Turtles love being petted, especially around their shells. For instance, touching, picking them up or just constant tapping on the glass of the tank is enough to leave them distressed. So turtles do pee, but why don't we see them do it? But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. If your turtle doesnt show any interest, try using live food like crickets to engage with it. 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. 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. Is turtle Pee harmful to humans? Patience and regular interactions with your pet turtle are the best way to ensure he/she grows accustomed to handling. Quick Answer: Urine Burns When Dehydrated - BikeHike as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. It might disgust you to experience your little snapper peeing on you. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. 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. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. 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. Taking good care of your pet is the first step to relieving any stress it may feel. Therefore, when you're planning on handling a turtle, it's best to be prepared for a potential wetting. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Putting all the disgust aside, you also might overthink if something internally could be wrong with your turtle. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. . This will cause a lot more damage than a simple snap. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. Yes, turtles can urinate on us but not because they want to get rid of their waste products. Turtle pee contains a substance called urea. Hi, my name is Edward Cohen. Turtles need a platform to stand on. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Turtles who are used to handling usually won't release any body fluids while you handle them, but if they are young or not used to people, it's going to happen. Dysuria (Painful Urination): Treatment, Causes & Symptoms Coming up behind your pet is a surefire way to scare it! 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. If you come across a turtle on the ground or have one yourself, you may be tempted to pick it up. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. However, a few things make box turtles urinary habits unique. The same is true for light shining through the sides of a glasstank. 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. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. And it can also have toxins that can be dangerous to the brain if it comes to contact. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. Is Turtle Pee Harmful To Humans? - Pets Bunch If you enjoy the content that we create, please consider saying a "Thank You!" Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. The cloaca is located at the base of the tail, and urine is passed through it using muscular contractions. 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. Also, you can always put a diaper on your turtle before picking it up! Its a white, crystalline substance that is relatively insoluble in water. Turtles urine contains high levels of uric acid, which can lead to gout, kidney stones, and even cancer. Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. A lot of predators have a very sensible smell and based on the smell of their prey they can decide if its a good meal or not. Orange. -If your immune system is weak, other health problems may arise. 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. Your email address will not be published. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to use food to develop a relationship. Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? Most pet owners can recognize when their pet is stressed or feels like its in danger, but some behaviors can take you by surprise! This behavior helps turtles bond with each other and shows how much they care for others. This may be because warts are often found on the hands and feet, the same body parts that come into contact with turtles. 11 Possible Reasons You're Peeing All the Time - SELF Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. It depends on how much water you drink. The easiest thing you can do is just give them regular access to water. They pee like most of the remaining reptiles. Generally speaking, a turtle can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment. Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. TurtleOwner.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. Find out yours. How Many Times Should I Feed My Turtle? (Complete Answer) Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. But some people argue that even in such situations we have plenty to drink, as long as we don't turn up our noses at it. So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). Commonly called bladder stones, cystic calculi occur when minerals from the diet form crystals in the urine, which then stick together and form stones. Other turtles seem to be terrified of being picked up and try to squirm away or even bite if theyre grabbed. Can box turtle pee hurt you? As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. A good general rule is to siphon about 1/2 of the water out once a week, replacing it with clean water. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. 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. 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? The answer is yes; turtles can pee. 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. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. And also one of the places from where they breathe. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? The urinary system of a turtle consists of two kidneys, a bladder, and a cloaca. A great way to win over a pet turtle is to avoid being overly noisy around him/her. Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. You are dehydrated When you drink water, these toxins get absorbed in it and eventually exit out from your body. While it may be unpleasant to deal with, theres no need to be concerned if your turtle urinates when picked up. What diseases do box turtles carry? - Heimduo Can box turtle pee hurt 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). Turtles arent known for showing much emotion, but if yours isnt giving you any love back, dont fret; turtles usually live alone and wont feel left out unless you neglect its water bowl. 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. Coates adds that every month or two, the entire tank should be drained and thoroughly cleaned. Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. Dysuria means you feel pain or a burning sensation when you pee (urinate). As a result, the turtles body dumps all of its stored urine from the bladder. Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. Although shell fractures can be serious, the shell is bone and often can be repaired. YSK if you decide to help a turtle cross the road, always move - reddit Some owners feed their turtlesin a separate area to avoid this from happening. But no, this is never a good idea. Our most recent posts that may interest you: Turtle anatomy is different from ours, but they still have to go to the bathroom. Do make sure to read its body language. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. We really appreciate the kindness and support that you show us! Dont make it frequent and dont make it excessive. Required fields are marked *. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. However, turtles dont have an anus, so all of their waste leaves their body through the cloaca. Usually, turtle pee doesnt stink or smell bad. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. 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). When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. 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. Hence people always come with some unique queries. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Some even try to get close enough to kiss our hands. There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? This is a natural reflex that helps them to escape from predators or other threats. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. As for the situations where you would need to touch them, remember these three reminders: The key is in handling them and the deliberate pressure you put on them. Due to the way things are arranged on the inside of the turtle this process is less exhausting than normal breathing. You might just adore your turtles so much that you tend to pet them so frequently that it stresses them out. Do not grab the sides of the shell of a Snapping Turtle as the head may whip around and bite you. He peed all over me. But, in reality, turtles dont have the ability to produce urine. The first one is that turtles are really small, so they will have a bladder of appropriate size. This mechanism can be seen quite easily if you are a new turtle owner. This video was supported by KiwiCo. Why Did My Turtle Pee on Me? - Reptile Jam While turtles may not relieve themselves when picked up by humans, they are capable of doing so when they feel threatened or stressed. In this blog, we will discuss those and answer some related queries. And well talk about those and a few more related topics in this blog. The answer is yes! In fact, its almost odorless. Contrary to popular belief, turtles can become attached to their owners. Turtle Pees from Its Mouth | Weird Animals | Live Science But while many turtles appreciate gentle strokes, others wont tolerate any contact at all. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. You may also have other symptoms, including: 1. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. The urea travels through the reptiles ' bloodstreams to their mouths, so it's not technically urination. 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. Theres never any harm in asking for advice and getting a quick checkup! Try to avoid frequent and excessive handling of your turtle. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. Why Do Turtles Pee On You? (Is This Normal?) - AnimalBrite.com This will help your pet get used to your presence. Mouth-Peeing and 5 Other Extreme Turtle Traits - YouTube (Are They Dangerous? Dont shake your turtle, and dont leave him/her alone too high off the ground. If so, youre not alone! 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. Lastly, turtles have a natural reflex that causes them to urinate when their abdomen is stimulated. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. With proper handling and caution, you can reduce the frequency or even totally stop this incident. As your turtle gets more accustomed to you it will stop peeing on your hand, but until then this is one of the few occasions when you can see your turtle pee. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Hence, if you come into contact with turtle pee, be sure to wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. FYI, ingesting turtle pee can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. But before you do, there are a few things you should know. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. By the time you notice this, the underlying problem likely has been going on for quite a while and may have serious long-term effects on the turtle's health. Make a habit of giving your turtle its regular mealtime snack each morning and evening. Straining to Urinate: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - HoneyReads 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. 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. This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. Why You Have UTI Symptoms After Taking Antibiotics - Verywell Health Hence, when a turtle is picked up, its body releases a hormone called adrenaline. Start gently and gradually. A gravid turtle with dystocia typically does not eat and rapidly becomes sick, lethargic, or unresponsive.