Q: This might mean that your dog asks to be let out more frequently. He may also be more insistent, as though every time is an emergency. Increased urgency is a tell-tale sign of UTI. You might also notice repeated urinating behavior (squatting or leg-cocking) without urination. The dog might feel like he or she needs to urinate, but be unable to urinate when let outside. This might be hard, as dogs usually urinate onto grass. If you suspect your dog might have a UTI, though, watch the urine stream mid-air, before it hits the ground. If it looks like it has blood in it, take the dog to the veterinarian immediately. Older dogs with heath issues like kidney disease or diabetes tend to drink more water to deal with their condition. This can lead to "subclinical infections" due to increased urination. There's bacteria present, but not enough to cause observable signs of discomfort. The only way to test for a subclinical infection is having a vet test a urine sample. Some vets recommend doing this as part of older dogs' regular medical routines. If your dog has a history of subclinical infections, have its urine tested every three to six months. The "infection" part of UTI signals the presence of an infectious agent like bacteria. This needs medical treatment, so you need to take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. If you can, collect a sample of the dog's urine to take with you, as this may speed up the diagnosis. If you're taking steps to keep UTIs at bay, but your dog keeps getting them, they might be an underlying health problem. This problem may be weakening your dog's immune system or bladder tissue, resulting in increased UTIs. Identifying and treating the problem will reduce the chance of UTI. Ask your vet to run tests to identify potential causes for your dog's problems. This might include: Blood tests: The vet can check for conditions that may make the dog drink more and have weaker urine (kidney, liver disease, diabetes) Imaging: An ultrasound can check for the presence of polyps, bladder cancer, bladder stones, and other issues which can affect the bladder lining. Urine sediment exam: The veterinarian urine sediment under a microscope for crystals that might explain the dog's issues.
A: Watch for increased urgency of urination. Look for blood in the urine. Have older dogs tested regularly. Take the dog to the vet if you suspect a UTI. Have a veterinarian address repeated infections.

Q: Knee pain can be caused from a few different diagnoses, including osteoarthritis (caused by mechanical "wear and tear" on the knee joint over time the most common cause), rheumatoid arthritis (caused by autoimmune problems), infectious arthritis, old knee injuries, or patellar dysfunction to name a few. It is key to see a doctor to establish the correct diagnosis because the best treatment and management plan depends specifically on what is going on inside your knee. Similarly, if you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, for example, but find that it is not improving with treatments, speak to your doctor about the possibility of investigating other possible diagnoses. Each pound of weight gain puts up to six more pounds of pressure on the knee joint. Thus, overweight people tend to develop arthritis more frequently than those at a healthy weight. To prevent future knee pain (and to lessen symptoms that already exist), try to maintain a healthy weight, primarily through diet (exercise may be limited by the presence of knee pain). People with arthritis are advised to avoid processed or fried foods, sugars, refined carbohydrates, salt, preservatives, and corn oil, all of which may aggravate the inflammation of the joint directly or through weight gain. Muscles around the joint act as shock absorbers, helping to support and stabilize the joints both in physically demanding situations (such as during sports and exercise) as well as in your daily activities. The stronger the muscles are, the greater stress they can absorb. To help prevent crepitus (and, if you already have it, to reduce it), gradually build the muscles around your joint through strength exercise. For knee crepitus, thigh contraction is a great exercise that strengthens muscles around the knee joint. Place a rolled-up towel under your knee and tighten your thigh muscles. Hold it for five seconds and relax and repeat again for 10 times. Isometric exercises such as straight leg raises ( with the knee locked), quad sets, or wall sits can strengthen the joint while limiting motion through the involved joint. This avoids aggravating the joint and increasing pain and inflammation). Low-impact cardio exercises such as biking or swimming may also be done (recommended at least three times a week) to improve the muscle strength of the thigh and calf. These exercises can also help you lose weight, further reducing crepitus pain. Both have been shown to help people diminish the pain that is often associated with knee crepitus. Try experimenting with icing and/or heat to see if it works for you. Certain nutritional supplements, including glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, are used by some arthritis sufferers to treat and/or prevent crepitus. However, these supplements are not regulated by the FDA and have not yet been scientifically proven to work. There is also little information on any side effects from long-term use of these supplements. Clinical studies are underway to evaluate these supplements for medical use. In the meantime, talk to your doctor or someone you trust who has tried these dietary supplements before beginning to take them.
A: Make sure you have the correct diagnosis. Manage your weight. Exercise. Try a combination of ice and heat packs. Cautiously consider dietary supplements.

Q: Change the position that you sit in throughout the day. Stand up once or twice every hour to get a drink, get fresh air, or do tasks standing up, giving your back muscles time to relax. This can keep you from becoming stiff or tense. Take frequent short breaks rather than fewer longer ones, as this is better for your back. In general, the best way to prevent and recover from back pain is to stay active. If your back hurts, but you are able to go about your daily activities, resist the urge to stay in bed or on the couch. Maintain mobility, keep the muscles in use, and, if need be, take over the counter pain medication. Long-term rest will actually set you back, weakening your back muscles and making it harder to resume your normal tasks. Be sure to include physical activity in your routine, as well. One of the biggest things you can do to prevent back pain is to keep your back and its muscles strong through regular exercise. Most governments recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, spread throughout the week, along with strength training twice a week. Some exercises will specifically strengthen your back, specifically swimming, walking, and stretches that target your core muscles. Believe it or not, many back problems start with the feet and our shoes, because they affect the way that we walk. They are like the "foundation" of a building, our body. Bad shoes, like high-heels, can cause or exacerbate lower back pain, for example. Make sure that your shoes give your feet and back ample support, particularly if your job requires you to be on your feet for much of the day. Wear shoes that have rigid heels and mid-soles, like sneakers. Insoles and shoe inserts are also helpful. Sleep will always help in the healing process. It is the same for your back issues, particularly if you use a supportive mattress. Some clinical data suggests that a medium-firm mattress not a hard mattress provides more back relief. Find a mattress that supports the natural curves of your spine, as well. This should help you also to avoid soreness in the morning. Another suggestion is to put a pillow under your knees. Raising your knees slightly eases pressure on your back while you sleep, in fact it as much as halves it.
A:
Take regular breaks. Stay active. Wear comfortable shoes. Get a good night's rest.