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

PEOPLE's former resident veterinarian preps your pets for the holiday season

Evan Antin has tips for keeping your pets happy during the holidays.

Speaking to PEOPLE at the Vanderpump Dog Foundation Gala in Los Angeles on Nov. 15, PEOPLE’s former resident veterinarian, 39, offered up a few tips for traveling with furry friends this holiday season.

Antin said the holiday season is "where we run into a lot of issues" as owners are taking 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 that are going somewhere, for example, with the family, and maybe there's going to be other pets there, try to be intelligent about how you introduce them," he said, adding that he often sees rough playing or even fights.

Related: What Thanksgiving Foods Are Safe for Dogs? A Vet Expert Shares What Holiday Foods Pets Can Eat

“They're meeting a new animal, and there's a lot of stress involved,” Antin told PEOPLE at the annual event. “So just be intelligent with that. Do gradual introductions.”

He also offered other suggestions that work year-round.

“If they need to be on some sort of a supplement or sometimes even medicated — certain dogs, just to keep the stress levels down so they feel comfortable — that's always in your best interest,” Antin explained.

But holiday travel isn’t only about the arrival. While commuting in public places, such as airplanes or trains, Antin offered up this tip: do a test run.

Related: Traveling with Your Pet This Holiday Season? Here's How to Make It Easier

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

Antin suggests pet owners who medicate their companions “maybe do small little trips around the neighborhood, and just get them familiar with being out of the home, and that way that can help them where they don't need medication.”

Pet owners shouldn't forget them while shopping this holiday season. Luckily, the veterinarian knows just how to make your furry friend’s day.

According to Antin, “a good chew toy” is a great go-to option when deciding on a gift for pets.

The best way to pick one out is to go with an option that’s “not super hard, because we can break teeth on those, but a quality chew toy, like a puzzle, kind of one where they have to lick or chew or do things to kind of get to the treat,” he said. “Something that enriches them and also gives them a treat.”

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“I'm thankful to be doing what I'm doing and think we'll be here again and helping animals and kind of the same something for every year. Every year's a blessing,” Antin told PEOPLE when asked what he's most thankful for. “And we're back at it again and you know, Vanderpump Dogs is still making a big difference. So, I'm super thankful for that.”