Evan Antin Shares Vacation Travel Tips for Dog Owners (Exclusive)

Evan Antin has tips for you pets happy during the holidays.

Speaking to PEOPLE at the Vanderpump Dog Foundation Gala in Los Angeles on November 15 PEOPLE’s former vet39, gave a few tips for traveling with furry friends during the holidays.

Antin said the holidays are “a period when we encounter a lot of problems” as owners take their pets to unfamiliar places, whether planes or trains or unfamiliar homes.

He offered one of his pro tips to combat this problem.

“So if there are pets going somewhere, like with the family, and maybe there are other pets there too, try to be intelligent in the way you introduce them,” he said, adding that he often sees rough play or even fight.

“They meet a new animal, and that brings a lot of stress,” Antin told PEOPLE at the annual event. “So just be intelligent about that. Conduct gradual introductions.”

He also offered other suggestions that work year-round.

“If they need to be given some kind of supplement or sometimes even medicated – certain dogs, just to keep the stress level down so they feel comfortable – that’s always in your best interest,” Antin explained.

But holiday travel is not just about the arrival. While commuting in public places, like planes or trains, Antin offered this tip: Take a test drive.

“You can get them used to the carrier,” he told PEOPLE.

Antin suggests that pet owners who medicate their companions “maybe take little outings around the neighborhood, and just get them comfortable with being outside, and that way you can help them where they don’t need medication.”

Pet owners shouldn’t forget them while shopping this holiday season. Fortunately, the vet knows exactly how to make your furry friend’s day.

According to Antin, “a good chew toy” is a great choice when choosing a gift for pets.

The best way to choose one is to choose an option that is ‘not super difficult because we can break teeth on that, but a good quality chew toy, such as a puzzle, a kind of toy that requires them to lick or chewing or having to do things’. to get to the treat a little bit,” he said. “Something that enriches them and also makes them tasty.”

Never miss a story – sign up PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“I’m grateful to be able to do what I do and think we’ll be here again and help animals and do the same kind of things every year. Every year is a blessing,” Antin told PEOPLE when asked what he is most grateful for. “And we’re at it again and you know, Vanderpump Dogs is still making a big difference. So I’m super grateful for that.”