--- title: Parvo in Dogs: Why the Vaccine Matters | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/parvo/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/) - Parvo in dogs # Parvo in dogs: why the vaccine matters Canine parvovirus is a serious virus that causes vomiting and severe diarrhea, and puppies are the most vulnerable. Vaccination is the main protection, which is why distemper/parvo vaccination is required for every dog at Happy Paws Kennels. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Parvo is the disease behind the P in DHPP. This page is background for owners and is not a diagnosis tool. ## What parvo is The American Veterinary Medical Association's canine parvovirus page describes canine parvovirus as a contagious viral disease. The signs it lists include lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and bloating, vomiting and severe diarrhea. It tells owners to contact a veterinarian immediately when a dog shows such signs, because the illness can progress quickly. With proper care, survival chances are far better than without it, the AVMA says, which is why early veterinary care matters. ## Why puppies are most at risk The AVMA page explains that puppies are especially vulnerable because antibodies from the mother fade before the puppy's own protection is ready. Those maternal antibodies can also blunt the vaccine, so a series of doses is given, with a final dose between 14 and 16 weeks of age. Until the series is complete, the AVMA advises limiting exposure to places such as pet shops, parks and day care. That is the reason the kennel's rule for dogs and cats is 16 weeks old with all recommended vaccinations. ## How it fits the kennel's list The kennel's vaccination page treats distemper and parvo together, noting that they are very different diseases often covered in the same combination shot. The American Animal Hospital Association lists parvovirus type 2 among the core vaccines for all dogs. A current record is needed for every dog, so see the [DHPP page](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dhpp-distemper-parvo/) for the paperwork. ## What to do if you are worried Call your veterinarian right away if your dog shows the signs above, and tell the clinic if the dog has been around other dogs. Do not wait for it to pass. For puppies, the [puppy vaccine schedule](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/puppy-vaccine-schedule/) page explains how the series relates to boarding, and the [requirements page](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) lists everything else. Parvo is one of several reasons a kennel asks for records before the first day and not at the front gate. Reading and filing paperwork ahead of time is part of what keeps a group setting healthy, and it takes a few minutes of an owner's time. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [AVMA: Canine parvovirus](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-parvovirus) - [AAHA 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines](https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/recommendations-for-core-and-noncore-canine-vaccines/) ### Before your first stay - [Vaccination records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) current through pick-up day - A signed [boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/) - Pets 16 weeks or older - [Bring nothing but your pet](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [DHPP (distemper/parvo) for boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dhpp-distemper-parvo/) - [Puppy vaccine schedule](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/puppy-vaccine-schedule/) - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Puppy boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/puppy-boarding/) - [DHPP](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/dhpp/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/vaccines/) ## Is my pet ready? Who is staying? Dog Cat Both Pick-up date Dog vaccines (three required, one recommended) Rabies Good until Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) Good until Bordetella (kennel cough) Good until Canine Influenza (H3N2 - H3N8) - recommended, not required Good until Cat vaccines (required) Rabies Good until FVRCP Good until Tick each vaccine your pet has had. Add the date it runs out to check it against your pick-up day. This checks our boarding requirements, not your pet's health. Your veterinarian decides which vaccines your pet should have and when. Upload records to your [ProPetware account](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin), email them, or bring a copy at check-in. ## Read next - [Rabies vaccine for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-dogs/) - [Rabies vaccine for cats](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-cats/) - [DHPP (distemper/parvo) for boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dhpp-distemper-parvo/) - [Bordetella vaccine](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/bordetella/) - [Intranasal vs oral bordetella](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/intranasal-vs-oral-bordetella/) - [Canine influenza](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/canine-influenza/) - [FVRCP for cats](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/fvrcp/) - [Leptospirosis vaccine](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/leptospirosis/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### What are the signs of parvo? The AVMA lists lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting and severe diarrhea. Call your veterinarian right away. ### Is parvo vaccine required at Happy Paws? Yes. Distemper/parvo is on the required dog list. ### Why 16 weeks? Puppies need a full series of shots, and the kennel asks that they are 16 weeks old before the first day of a stay. ### Can adult dogs get parvo? Ask your veterinarian. Keeping vaccines current is the main protection.