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Why is my red-eared slider inactive and can't open its eyes?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male

hi, my pet turtle is about 2 inches in size. it is a red eared slider. it is inactive since 3 days. it always stays on stone closing its eyes, even if i disturb it.it is struggling to open eyes.please help me by suggesting any medicine to make it active....

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 13th, 2017

Check the water temperature and ambient temperature. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. Keep the water between 24 C and 30 C. A basking spot out of the water should be 29 C to 31 C. UVB lighting should also be provided. Maintain water quality to prevent infections and feed an appropriate diet with vitamin and mineral supplementation. A vitamin A deficiency can cause swelling of the eyes. Repti-Turtle Eye Drops (by Zoo Med) can be used to help the eyes. Find it online or in the local pet store. Soak the little guy in a 50/50 mix of warm water and an electrolyte replacement beverage to maintain hydration. You can read more about care here: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 30th, 2019

    A salt water bath will likely not help him. Maintain pristine water quality and proper environmental parameters, especially temperature. As stated, low temps can affect activity and appetite in reptiles. The stress of low temps can lead to infection. You can increase water temps by about 5 F and you can increase the ambient temperature by about the same. A warmer environment will aid in recovery. Do not remove him from the water, simply make sure he has an adequate basking platform to use when needed. As an aquatic species, it would be stressful for him to have restricted access to water for an extended period of time.

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