Thanksgiving may finally be over but chances are high that you and your pampered pooch will continue feasting on those luscious and lardaceous leftovers for days.  In fact, the heavy holiday eating has really just begun and while your lips may be loving these fruitcake-filled weeks, you can't quite say the same thing about those growing hips.  There will be no more rhymes in this article (hopefully).

We all fear the possible nasty winter weight gain.  Your sweetie is probably too considerate to directly say you're putting on the pounds, but instead does subtle things like asking, "Honey, are you comfortable on your two-thirds of the couch?"

Unfortunately, these cold, caloric months not only affect you - but can pack the pounds on your pooch as well. 

As the temperatures drop, we not only eat more but tend to go out and exercise less.  The days get shorter, the nights are colder, our daily walk times decrease, and before you can say ‘pre-Jennie Craig Kristie Alley' - your pooch has gained some serious junk in his trunk.

Obesity is the number one health problem dogs face, affecting approximately 25 percent of the U.S. canine population.  Just like humans, packing on extra pounds can cause serious damage to your pooch: negatively impacting lung function, putting strain on the heart and creating severe joint problems.  Just a few extra pounds can shorten their life span.

And as the cold winter days continue, finding ways to stay active can become more of a challenge.  Although you may still maintain a kernel of hope that you will fire up that dusty Bowflex Gym, Ab-Roller, Thigh Master, NordicTrack, Power Plate Vibrator, or some other ridiculous indoor exercise product purchased off the TV in the middle of the night while downing a tub of Ben and Jerry's – the chances are definitely less for your Spot.

So to help your dog stay a lean, mean, long-living canine machine (okay, we're rhyming again) we've rounded up some fun new indoor dog activities for Spot during snow season.

Jog A Dog
It's a treadmill for your dog!  Seriously, it's great.  This futuristic doggy workout equipment was designed with the help of veterinarians, physical therapists and high-tech engineers.  The Jog-A-Dog is perfect for the busy pet owner or when weather conditions make walking difficult.  The mini exercise machine helps your dog develop muscle strength and stamina, while helping to prevent obesity related health problems.  Available at Jog A Dog.

Crazy Pet Bumble Ball
This interactive motorized pet toy will keep your mutt mesmerized and moving for hours.  The Bumble Ball will jump, shake, wiggle and roll its way into your dog's heart.  Canines are said to go "crazy" chasing after the colorful moving toy ball.  Available at Amazon.

Spotbrites Laser Pet Toy & Exerciser              
Your curious canine will love chasing the laser light images around any room.  The toy features 5 exciting  images in one laser light.  The bright laser light is visible for up to 1 mile.  And hey, even when you're not playing with your pampered pooch, who doesn't like pointing at things with a laser?  Available at Jeffers Pet.

Chase-It
Think of it as a kind of hand-held tether ball set for your spoiled Spot – except instead of a volleyball there is an adorable squeaker-filled squirrel just waiting to be chased with the flick of your wrist.  The high-quality lure toy has an ergonomic handle molded onto sturdy nylon rope that is attached to the plush furry animal.  The entertaining toy works for puppies and dogs of all sizes and gives mutts a calorie blasting, energy burning workout in a short amount of time (your not-too-bright boyfriend will also enjoy chasing the squirrel).  The company is so convinced that you and your dog will love Chase-It that they are offering a 30-day money back guarantee.  Available at PetGadgets.