Hamsters are small but they have real medical needs. South Pasadena Animal Hospital provides complete hamster care — wellness exams, wet tail treatment, dental checks, respiratory infection care, and tumor evaluations. We see Syrian and dwarf hamsters and handle every patient with gentle, careful hands.
We understand hamster physiology, including their sensitivity to certain antibiotics, their short lifespan (meaning health changes happen fast), and the importance of catching issues early.
Wet tail (proliferative ileitis) is a bacterial GI infection that can be fatal within 48 hours. We diagnose and treat it promptly with appropriate antibiotics and supportive care.
Bloodwork and X-rays on-site mean faster answers for your hamster.
Full physical assessment: weight, teeth, skin, coat, eyes, heart and lung sounds, abdominal palpation.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of proliferative ileitis with hamster-safe antibiotics and fluid support.
Assessment for overgrown incisors and cheek pouch issues. Hamsters' teeth grow continuously and can cause eating problems.
Diagnosis and treatment of upper respiratory infections, which are common in hamsters and can progress quickly.
Hamsters, especially females, are prone to tumors. We assess lumps and bumps and discuss treatment options.
Hamsters can impact their cheek pouches with sticky foods. We can safely empty impacted pouches.
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. Hamsters have short lifespans (2–3 years), so a lot can change quickly. If you notice any behavioral change, weight loss, or physical symptoms, don’t wait for the annual — come in sooner.
Yes. Wet tail is a bacterial infection of the intestinal tract that causes severe diarrhea, lethargy, and a visibly wet rear end. It can kill a hamster in 24–48 hours without treatment. If your hamster has wet tail symptoms, call us immediately or go to an emergency vet if we’re closed.
Possibly. Lumps in hamsters are common and can be anything from a cyst to a tumor. Female hamsters are particularly prone to mammary tumors. We’ll assess the lump, discuss whether diagnostics are warranted, and go over your options.
Yes — hamsters are one of the few pets that can catch human colds. If you have a cold, wash your hands thoroughly before handling your hamster and minimize face-to-face contact until you’re better.
Avoid citrus fruits, onions, garlic, raw potatoes, chocolate, and almonds. Sticky foods like gummy candies can impact cheek pouches. Lots of seeds and pellets without sufficient fresh vegetables can contribute to diabetes in dwarf hamsters.
Schedule your hamster’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 hamster 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 hamsters for wellness exams, illness treatment, and preventive care. Unlike many general veterinary practices that rarely treat small rodents, our veterinarians are comfortable with hamster medicine and understand the critical differences between hamster care and care for other small animals.
One of the most important things to understand about hamsters is how quickly they can deteriorate when ill. With a lifespan of only 2–3 years, a hamster that appears slightly off today can be critically ill by tomorrow. Wet tail, respiratory infections, and tumors all require prompt attention. Our team prioritizes same-week or same-day appointments for hamsters showing signs of illness.
We see both Syrian (golden) hamsters and dwarf hamster varieties, including Roborovski, Campbell’s, and Winter White hamsters. Each has slightly different husbandry needs, and we tailor our recommendations accordingly. We also perform all diagnostics in-house — bloodwork and X-rays are available on-site — so we can diagnose and begin treatment the same day.
Hamster owners come to SPAH from across the region, including Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Gabriel, Monterey Park, Temple City, and Rosemead. If your hamster needs a checkup or is showing signs of illness, contact us to schedule an appointment.