A hamster doesn't necessarily die after being washed with water, but there is an extremely high risk.
Hamsters are instinctively afraid of water. Their nasal cavities and tracheas are not waterproof. Washing them with water can easily cause water to enter their lungs, leading to drowning. Moreover, hamsters have thick and soft fur, which is not easy to dry after being washed with water. This can cause a rapid drop in body temperature, triggering illnesses such as colds and pneumonia, and in severe cases, it may even lead to death. Hamsters are highly sensitive to water temperature and humidity. The process of washing with water can cause discomfort and harm, including hypothermia, difficulty breathing, increased heart burden, diarrhea, stress reactions, choking coughs, and an increased risk of skin diseases.
To reduce these risks, you can use special bath sand for cleaning. Bath sand can effectively clean a hamster's fur and skin while avoiding the potential health risks associated with washing with water. When using bath sand, place the hamster in a small "bathroom" area. Let it roll around freely, and the bath sand will remove dirt and foreign objects from its fur. Using bath sand is both a safe and effective way to clean hamsters, making it an ideal choice.