Not Necessarily, but with an Extremely High Risk
A hamster doesn't necessarily die after being washed with water, but there is indeed an extremely high risk, which may lead to serious health problems or even death. Here are the specific reasons and precautions:
1. Main Risks of Washing a Hamster with Water
- Sudden Drop in Body Temperature: Hamsters are small in size. After being bathed with water, their body temperature will drop rapidly, making them prone to symptoms such as catching a cold and having diarrhea. In severe cases, they may die due to excessive physical exhaustion.
- Respiratory Problems: The nasal passages and tracheas of hamsters do not have water-proof functions. When taking a bath, water may enter the nasal cavity or lungs, leading to suffocation or lung infections.
- Emotional Stress: Washing with water may startle the hamster, and in severe cases, it may even cause the hamster's breathing to stop.
2. Measures after Washing with Water
- Dry Immediately: If there is no abnormality in the hamster after being washed with water, you should immediately dry the water on its body with a tissue, and then use a hair dryer (on the low-temperature setting) to completely dry it, ensuring that there is no residual water on the hamster.
- Observe the Condition: If the hamster shows symptoms of a cold (such as sneezing and listlessness), it is necessary to seek medical treatment as soon as possible, because hamsters have weak resistance to cold.
- Provide a Warm Environment: Put the hamster in a warm nest to help it restore its body temperature and emotional state.
3. Alternative Cleaning Methods
- Sand Bath: Hamsters are naturally suitable for cleaning their bodies with bath sand, which is a safer way that conforms to their habits.
- Local Cleaning: If a certain part of the hamster's body is dirty, you can gently wipe it with a damp towel, avoiding washing the whole body with water.
4. Feasibility of Washing with Water
- Extreme Caution: If it is necessary to wash the hamster with water, make sure the environment is warm, the water temperature is moderate, and use an absorbent towel and a hair dryer to deal with it quickly. Even so, there is still a certain risk, and it is not recommended to try it easily.
Conclusion: A hamster doesn't necessarily die after being washed with water, but the risk is extremely high and may lead to serious health problems. It is recommended to adopt safer cleaning methods, such as sand baths or local wiping, to ensure the health and safety of the hamster.