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My red eared slider is sleeping, not eating, and floating. Is he sick?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Aquatic Turtle

My pet red eared slider Snappy is always sleeping and doesn't eat it's food pellets that I gave him. He runs towards the dry area when I put him in the water and he floats. I have seen some very small worms when I put him in the water.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on March 31st, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about Snappy. Sleeping is a sign of lethargy and illness, and a veterinary visit should be scheduled as soon as possible. Floating all the time is an indication of hyper-inflated lungs and possible respiratory infection. Systemic disease require systemic antibiotics, which a veterinarian can prescribe. Good luck.

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