Plants Toxic To Turtles: Beware of What Your Shelled Friend is Eating

Turtles are known to be one of the most low-maintenance pets one can have. You don't need to walk them, you don't need to buy them toys, and they don't make a mess in your house – at least not as much as a dog or a cat would. All they need is a clean tank, some water, and food. However, when it comes to their diet, turtle owners should pay close attention to what they're feeding them. Some plants can be toxic to turtles, and if ingested, they can cause serious health problems or even death. In this article, we'll discuss some of the plants that are toxic to turtles and the signs you should look for if your shelled friend has eaten them.

What Plants Are Toxic To Turtles?

While turtles are omnivores and can eat a variety of foods such as insects, fish, and fruits, they also like to nibble on plants. However, not all plants are safe for them to eat. Some common household plants can be toxic to turtles, such as:

• Pothos: Commonly found in households, pothos contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract of turtles, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Elephant ear: The leaves of elephant ear contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause swelling of the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, and even death if ingested in large quantities.
• Philodendron: Another common household plant, philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and digestive tract of turtles.
• Aloe Vera: While aloe vera has many health benefits for humans, it can be toxic to turtles if ingested, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
• Daffodils: Daffodils contain lycorine, a toxic alkaloid that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart problems if ingested by turtles.

How Can You Tell If Your Turtle Has Eaten Something Toxic?

If your turtle has eaten something toxic, they may show some of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Swelling of the mouth or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness
• Seizures

If you notice any of these symptoms, take your turtle to the vet immediately. If left untreated, the toxins can cause irreversible damage to your turtle's organs and even lead to death.

What Should You Do If Your Turtle Has Eaten Something Toxic?

If you suspect that your turtle has eaten something toxic, the first thing you should do is remove the plant from their enclosure. Then, take your turtle to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will perform tests to determine what the turtle has ingested and how severe the poisoning is. They may give your turtle medication to help flush out the toxins and prevent further damage.

In some cases, the vet may need to hospitalize your turtle for a few days to monitor their condition and provide supportive care such as fluids and oxygen therapy. It's important to follow the vet's instructions carefully and keep a close eye on your turtle's behavior after they come home.

As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to know what plants are toxic to your turtle and to keep them out of reach. Always research before introducing a new plant into your turtle's enclosure, and monitor their behavior closely to ensure they're not eating anything that could harm them. Remember, prevention is better than cure, and a little bit of caution can go a long way in keeping your shelled friend healthy and happy.

A turtle eating vegetables

Poisonous plants, toxic turtle, turtle health, turtle diet, turtle care