There are 5 allergens associated with an allergy to guinea pigs, this includes their hair, dander (which is flakes of dry skin), urine and saliva. These are all allergens associated with airways.

4 of the allergens are lipocalin proteins, in other animal dander allergies this is the protein that most individuals react to. These proteins transport molecules like lipids and steroids around the body.

Cav p 4 is a serum albumin protein, people who are allergic to this protein are more likely to be allergic to other mammals and very rarely can become allergic to eating mammalian meats such as beef, chicken and pork, which also contain these proteins.

Allergy to guinea pig dander is strongly strongly associated with allergic rhinitis as well as asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis.

Guinea pig contains serum albumin as an inhalant allergen, this is a protein which can cause problems for people with Alpha Gal Syndrome. Guinea pigs are most often eaten in Peru (where they are called "cuy") and should be avoided if suffering from this allergic syndrome.

A guinea pig allergy can be strongly linked to other animal allergies due to the lipocalin proteins. There is evidence of cross reactivity due to this protein with cockroaches, cows, dogs, hamsters, horses, cats, mice, rabbits and rats.

Other animals whose hair contains serum albumin proteins as an airbourne allergen include dog, horse, cat and mouse danders. Serum albumin is also found as a food allergen in beef, chicken and pork.

These lists are not exhaustive, the most up to date allergen information is on the Cross Reactivity Tool.

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