Clinical recommendation	Evidence rating	Comments
Patients at increased risk of infection from dog and cat bites should receive antibiotic prophylaxis.10,17–19	C	Expert opinion and consensus guidelines
The need for tetanus vaccination and rabies postexposure prophylaxis should be assessed in each patient presenting with a dog or cat bite.10–12	C	Risk of rabies exposure varies worldwide and by region; clinicians should consult local guidelines
Primary closure may be performed at the time of injury for dog bite wounds at low risk of infection; wounds that are at risk of infection should be allowed to heal by secondary intention.10,21	B	Meta-analysis and a Cochrane review with inconsistent conclusions
Injuries to underlying structures (e.g., tendons, joints, bone) and those that could lead to scarring warrant referral for possible surgical exploration and repair.11,12,15,27	C	Expert opinion