OverWeight Pet...it's a national concern

Saw this great article in CNN Living, thought it might be a good way to start looking at various ways to exercise my dog!    Do you have concerns about your pet's weight?  Check this out:
CNN Living on Overweight Pets

Here are some ideas that I will use to exercise my dog:

• Focus on play time: Don't just roll around on the carpet with your cat. Take about 20 minutes for some intense playtime. All you need is a flashlight, and perhaps some disco tunes.
• Embrace the thrill of the hunt: Try a good chase around the house. "If you have a two-story house, start on the bottom floor and make them run up the stairs," Monroe says.
• Interactive toys: Add low-calorie treats to slow-release or interactive toys. This makes your cat or dog work for its food. (The horror!)
• Get crafty: Cat towers can help cats get moving.
• Step outside: For owners with limited mobility, slingshot toys provide an extra boost to outdoor games of fetch with the dog. Some toys even have slots for treats so that portly pups stay motivated.
• Hit the pavement: Walking on a flat surface provides good, low-impact exercise for overweight dogs and people. Just be mindful of when your dog has had enough. Excessive panting may be a sign of overexposure.