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 November 15, Former PEOPLE resident veterinarian39, offered some tips for traveling with four-legged friends this holiday season.
Antin said the holiday season is “where we run into a lot of problems” as owners take their pets to unfamiliar places, whether it's planes, trains or unfamiliar homes.
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He offered one of his pro tips for combating this problem.
“So if there are animals going somewhere, for example, with the family, and maybe there will be other animals there, try to be smart about how you handle them. present,” he said, adding that he often sees tough games or even fights.
“They meet a new animal and that brings a lot of stress,” Antin told PEOPLE at the annual event. “So be smart about it. Make progressive presentations.
He also offered other suggestions that work year-round.
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“If they need to take some sort of supplement or sometimes even take medication – some dogs, just to keep the stress level low so they feel comfortable – that's always in your interest,” Antin explained.
But vacation travel isn't just about arrival. When traveling in public places, like planes or trains, Antin offered this advice: Give it a try.
“You can get them used to the carrier,” he told PEOPLE.
Antin suggests pet owners who are caring for their companions “maybe take little trips around the neighborhood and just get them familiar with being out of the house, and that way it can help them where they don't need medication.
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Pet owners shouldn't forget about them when shopping this holiday season. Fortunately, the veterinarian knows how to make your four-legged friend's day better.
According to Antin, “a good chew toy” is a great option when deciding on a gift for pets.
The best way to choose one is to go for an option that's “not very difficult, as we can break teeth with these, but a quality chew toy, like a puzzle, the kind 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 makes them happy. »
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“I'm grateful to do what I do and I think we'll be here again helping animals and kind of the same thing every year. Every year is a blessing,” Antin told PEOPLE when asked what he was most grateful for. “And here we are again and you know, Vanderpump Dogs always makes a big difference. So, I'm very grateful for that.
