vaccinations are an important preventive animal health measure. the specific vaccinations recommended for dogs varies depending on geographic location, environment, travel history, and the activities the animal frequently engages in. in the united states, regardless of any of these factors, it is usually highly recommended that dogs be vaccinated against rabies, "canine parvovirus", canine distemper, and infectious canine hepatitis (using "canine adenovirus type 2" to avoid reaction). the decision on whether to vaccinate against other diseases, including leptospirosis, lyme disease, "bordetella bronchiseptica", "parainfluenza virus", and "canine coronavirus", should be made between an owner and a veterinarian, taking into account factors specific to the dog.