How to Tell If Something Is Wrong with Your Turtle
Turtles can make wonderful pets. They are small, relatively easy to care for, and have more vibrant personalities than you might think. However, because most people are less familiar with turtles than with more popular pets like cats and dogs, many turtles have health problems that go unnoticed and unaddressed for too long. So, what are the signs that something is amiss with your turtle's health? Take a look.
1. Your turtle's eyes are runny or showing discharge.
Your turtle's eyes should always be bright, clear, and free of any discharge. If you see any yellow or green gunk in the corners of your turtle's eyes, this is a sign of an infection. The turtle's eyes may also become stuck shut as the gunk builds up. Turtle eye infections are pretty simple for your vet to treat with antibiotics, but they need to be caught and treated promptly—or they may leave your pet with permanent eye damage.
2. Your turtle won't eat.
Turtles are not like cats or dogs—they don't eat several meals a day. You will need to feed your turtle only every other day, or a few times per week. This is how turtles eat in the wild. However, when you do present your turtle with his next meal, he should eat it heartily. If he refuses to eat the food for more than a day or two, or seems to lack an appetite in general, this could be a sign of any number of ailments—so it's a good idea to take him to a veterinarian clinic.
3. A soft or fungus-covered shell.
Turtles grow their shell. It's sort of like a fingernail—it's a part of their body, even though it is hard, keratin-based tissue. If the shell becomes too soft or develops patches of what looks like mold, this is not a good sign. The turtle may have a fungal infection, and he may be lacking certain nutrients in his diet that are needed to maintain a hard, healthy shell. Your vet may need to excise the badly damaged portions of the shell.
4. A strong odor.
Does your turtle smell like a sewer? This is another sign of a bacterial infection. Even though turtles may live in water, they keep themselves clean. There is a natural balance of bacteria on their skin, and if certain infectious bacteria grow unchecked, odors may be released.
Keep a close eye on your turtle. If you have any doubts about his health, contact the vet sooner rather than later.
