Hamsters can swim, but they don't like water and swimming can be harmful to them.
Hamsters do have the ability to swim, which is an innate life-saving skill for them. However, hamsters don't like water, and swimming can pose serious health risks to them. Here is a detailed analysis of hamsters swimming:
1. Hamsters can swim, but it's a life-saving skill
Hamsters are born with the ability to swim. This is a life-saving skill they use when they encounter danger in the wild.
Wild hamsters will swim when necessary, but pet hamsters, due to the lack of the hardships of living in the wild, have a weaker constitution and are prone to getting sick after swimming.
2. Hamsters don't like water
Most hamsters live in arid regions or deserts. Their fur is soft and thick, and it doesn't dry easily when it gets wet, which can easily lead to colds or other health problems.
Hamsters usually take a bath using special bath sand instead of water, because washing with water is harmful to them.
3. The harm of swimming to hamsters
After swimming, pet hamsters are likely to catch a cold due to significant changes in body temperature, and they may even die from "hypothermia".
Even if a hamster doesn't drown, swimming can still lead to serious consequences such as hypothermia.
4. Precautions for raising hamsters
Avoid letting hamsters come into contact with water, including swimming and washing with water.
Use special bath sand to clean the hamsters and replace it regularly to maintain hygiene.
In conclusion, although hamsters can swim, it's a life-saving skill they resort to as a last resort, not a daily behavior. As pet owners, we should avoid letting hamsters come into contact with water to ensure their health and safety.