Animal bites require thorough wound care including washing with soap and water, applying antibiotic ointment, and covering with a clean bandage. Medical attention is needed for deep puncture wounds, severe bleeding, or signs of infection. Antibiotics may be prescribed, along with tetanus and rabies vaccinations depending on the circumstances. For complex or infected wounds, debridement, thorough irrigation, and possibly surgery may be necessary, along with close monitoring and rehabilitation for severe injuries.

Head injuries need immediate evaluation, especially if associated with animal bites, to rule out skull fractures or other trauma. Management may include imaging like CT scans, wound cleaning, infection control, supportive care, and sometimes surgical intervention. Post-injury care involves wound monitoring, pain management, and rehabilitation as needed.

Care for Animal Bites

• Wash wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
• Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage.
• Seek medical care for deep wounds, heavy bleeding, or infection signs.
• Update tetanus vaccination and consider rabies prophylaxis if exposure risk is present.
• High-risk wounds (hands, face, punctures) often require antibiotics.
• Wounds may be left open or closed depending on infection risk.
• Surgical consultation may be needed for extensive injury or infection.

Care for Head Injuries from Animal Bites

• Prompt medical assessment with imaging if scalp or head wound is deep or uncertain.
• Control bleeding and clean the wound.
• Monitor neurological status and signs of complications.
• Possible surgical intervention for fractures or deep tissue damage.
• Pain and infection management.
• Rehabilitation for functional recovery and prevention of complications.

This comprehensive approach helps optimize healing, prevent infection, and restore function after animal bites and head injuries.