Here's why:
* They can't regulate their body temperature well when wet: This can lead to hypothermia, especially in cooler environments.
* They can easily drown: Even in shallow water, they can panic and struggle, making it difficult to breathe.
* Water can damage their fur: This can lead to matting and skin problems.
Instead of bathing, gerbils groom themselves. They have a special type of dust bath they use to keep their fur clean and healthy. You can provide a dust bath for your gerbil by filling a shallow dish with chinchilla dust or a similar type of dust.
If your gerbil is particularly dirty, you can try gently cleaning a small area with a damp cotton ball. However, it's best to avoid getting them completely wet.