Guinea pigs are social, vocal, and full of personality — and they deserve a vet who understands their specific health needs. At South Pasadena Animal Hospital, we provide complete guinea pig care including wellness exams, respiratory infection treatment, dental checks, skin and parasite care, and vitamin C supplementation guidance. Our team handles every guinea pig with patience and gentle hands.
We understand guinea pig physiology — from their vitamin C requirements and continuously growing teeth to their sensitivity to certain antibiotics that are safe for other animals but dangerous for cavies.
Upper respiratory infections are the most common illness in guinea pigs and can turn serious quickly. We diagnose and treat URIs promptly with guinea pig-safe antibiotics.
Bloodwork, X-rays, and fecal tests done on-site mean faster answers and faster treatment for your guinea pig.
We believe in upfront pricing with no surprises. Check our published fees before your visit. View our prices.
Full physical assessment including weight tracking, teeth check, heart and lung auscultation, skin inspection, and diet review.
Diagnosis and treatment of URIs caused by Bordetella, Streptococcus, and other bacteria using guinea pig-safe antibiotics.
Assessment for malocclusion and overgrown molars, which cause drooling, weight loss, and difficulty eating.
Treatment for fungal infections (ringworm), mites, lice, and other skin conditions common in guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C. We assess for deficiency (scurvy) and recommend proper supplementation.
X-rays and treatment planning for bladder stones and sludge, which are common in guinea pigs due to calcium metabolism.
Visit us at 3116 W Main St in Alhambra, just west of the Fremont Avenue intersection. Easy street parking is available right out front.
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Closed for lunch 1–2 PM everyday.
At least once a year for a wellness exam. Guinea pigs over 4 years old should be seen every 6 months since they're more prone to dental disease, bladder stones, and tumors as they age.
Occasional sneezing from dust or bedding is normal, but persistent sneezing, nasal discharge, wheezing, or crusty eyes can signal an upper respiratory infection that needs veterinary treatment. Read our guide to guinea pig sneezing for more details.
Guinea pigs have a delicate gut microbiome, and certain antibiotics (like amoxicillin and penicillin) can destroy beneficial gut bacteria, causing fatal diarrhea. Our vets only use guinea pig-safe antibiotics and are well aware of which medications to avoid.
Yes. Unlike most mammals, guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C and must get it from their diet. We recommend 25-50mg of vitamin C daily through fresh veggies (bell peppers, parsley) and a liquid supplement if needed.
We recommend paper-based bedding (like Carefresh) or fleece liners. Avoid cedar and pine shavings, which release aromatic oils that can irritate guinea pig respiratory systems and contribute to URIs.
Schedule your pet's appointment online in under a minute, or give us a call and our team will find a time that works for you.
If you are searching for a guinea pig vet in Alhambra or the San Gabriel Valley, South Pasadena Animal Hospital is here to help. Located at 3116 West Main Street in Alhambra, our clinic regularly sees guinea pigs for wellness exams, illness treatment, and preventive care. Unlike many general veterinary practices that rarely treat cavies, our veterinarians are comfortable with guinea pig medicine and understand the critical differences between guinea pig care and care for other small animals.
One of the most important things to know about guinea pigs is their sensitivity to certain antibiotics. Medications that are perfectly safe for dogs, cats, and even rabbits can be fatal to guinea pigs because they disrupt the delicate bacterial balance in their gut. Our vets know which antibiotics are safe and effective for guinea pigs and never prescribe medications that could harm them. This knowledge alone is a reason many cavy owners in the area specifically seek out a guinea pig-experienced vet.
Upper respiratory infections, dental disease, bladder stones, and vitamin C deficiency are among the most common health issues we treat in guinea pigs. We perform all diagnostics in-house — including bloodwork, X-rays, and fecal tests — so we can get answers and start treatment the same day. We also spend time at every visit reviewing diet, housing, and social needs, because guinea pigs thrive when their husbandry is optimized.
Guinea pig owners come to SPAH from across the region, including Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Gabriel, Monterey Park, Temple City, and Rosemead. If your guinea pig needs a checkup or is showing signs of illness, contact us to schedule an appointment.