Inquire Today
Dana Brigman With Dogs

Dana Brigman is a canine nutritionist, holistic pet health coach, certified dog trainer and behaviorist, raw feeding educator, aromatherapy educator, homeopathic educator, herbal educator, Reiki Master, and whole-dog wellness practitioner.

Meet Dana Brigman

Canine Nutrition & Whole-Dog Wellness for Dogs With Chronic Symptoms

I help dog moms connect the dots between food, gut health, inflammation, immune stress, toxin exposure, behavior, anxiety, allergies, and chronic symptoms so they can make better decisions for the dog in front of them.

The Well Oiled K9 was built for the dog mom who knows there is more going on with her dog than a single symptom, diagnosis, behavior label, or food problem.

Maybe your dog is itchy, anxious, inflamed, reactive, gut-sensitive, aging faster than expected, struggling with allergies, dealing with recurring flares, or simply not thriving the way you know they could. Maybe you have tried the food changes, the supplements, the vet visits, the prescriptions, the internet advice, and the “just do this” recommendations — and something still does not feel settled.

That is where my work begins.

I do not look at your dog as one isolated issue. I look at the whole dog: canine nutrition, gut health, inflammation, immune balance, toxin load, nervous system health, emotions, behavior, lifestyle, and the daily choices that shape long-term wellness.

This is not about replacing your veterinarian. It is about filling the gaps, asking better questions, and helping you explore thoughtful, integrative options that support your dog’s body instead of chasing symptoms one flare at a time.

Why I Do This Work

I came to this work the way many dog moms do — through dogs I loved, dogs I worried about, and dogs who made me question whether the usual answers were enough.

I started in dog training and behavior, working with dogs struggling with fear, anxiety, aggression, stress, reactivity, and big feelings. Over time, I kept seeing the same pattern: behavior was rarely just behavior. Health was rarely just one symptom. Food, pain, inflammation, gut health, toxins, stress, and the nervous system were often part of the same story.

That changed everything for me.

I began studying canine nutrition, raw and fresh food feeding, aromatherapy, herbs, homeopathy, energy work, bodywork, detox support, and whole-dog wellness because I wanted better answers — not just for my own dogs, but for the families who were overwhelmed, frustrated, and trying hard to do the right thing.

Today, that is still the heart of my work.

I help dog moms stop guessing, sort through the noise, and better understand what may be contributing to their dog’s symptoms so they can choose a clearer path forward.

How My Work Is Different

This is not generic pet health coaching. It is not random supplement throwing. And it is definitely not another “try this probiotic and hope for the best” situation.

My work blends canine nutrition, behavior experience, gut health, natural wellness tools, and whole-dog pattern recognition. I look at how the pieces connect: food, digestion, inflammation, immune stress, itchy skin, allergies, anxiety, behavior changes, medications, vaccines, toxin exposure, emotional patterns, and your dog’s overall resilience.

A dog with itchy skin may also need gut and immune support.

A reactive dog may also need nervous system, pain, inflammation, mineral, or digestive support.

A senior dog may need more than “he’s just getting older.”

A dog who flares from every little thing may not be stable yet — even if the symptoms are being managed.

My goal is to help you understand the bigger picture so you can support the dog you actually have, not a one-size-fits-all version of dog wellness.

What I Help Dog Moms With

I support dog moms navigating real-life concerns such as itchy dogs, allergies, yeast, paw licking, ear issues, gut problems, food sensitivities, chronic inflammation, anxiety, reactivity, nervous system stress, vaccine prep and aftercare, post-procedure recovery, senior dog wellness, medically fragile dogs, low-tox living, natural flea and tick strategies, supplement overwhelm, nutrition upgrades, and chronic symptoms that keep coming back.

Some dogs need a better food foundation.

Some need gut and microbiome support.

Some need help calming inflammation.

Some need fewer toxins, better drainage, and a cleaner lifestyle.

Some need support for the nervous system, emotional stress, pain, or behavior patterns.

Most dogs need someone willing to look at the whole picture.

That is the work I love.

What I Bring to the Table

I am a canine nutritionist, certified holistic pet health coach, raw dog food nutrition specialist, certified dog trainer and behaviorist, aromatherapy educator, homeopathic educator, herbal educator, Reiki Master, and trained in additional natural wellness and bodywork modalities.

But credentials are only part of the story.

The real value is knowing how to put the pieces together in a way that makes sense for your dog and your life. Most dog moms do not need another pile of disconnected advice. They need a clear starting point, a better understanding of what may be driving the symptoms, and practical guidance that helps them make confident decisions.

That is what I help provide.

Education, Certifications & Professional Training

Canine Nutrition & Fresh Food Feeding

Certified Canine Nutrition education through Companion Animal Sciences Institute

Certified Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist through Dogs Naturally Magazine University

Holistic pet health and food-based wellness education through Dr. Ruth Roberts

Additional training in fresh food feeding, raw feeding, home-prepared diets, organ support, supplements, and nutrition strategies for dogs with chronic health concerns

Dog Training, Behavior & Nervous System Support

Certified Dog Trainer and Dog Behaviorist through National K9 School for Dog Trainers

Professional experience supporting dogs with anxiety, fear, reactivity, stress, aggression, handling concerns, and behavior changes

Continuing education in the connection between behavior, pain, inflammation, gut health, stress, and the nervous system

Natural Wellness, Aromatherapy & Bodywork

Aromatherapy education for animals

Animal Raindrop Technique education

Homeopathic Pet Educator training

Herbal Pet Educator training

Reiki Master

Healing Touch and energy-based wellness education

Additional training and experience with natural wellness tools including herbs, essential oils, homeopathy, CBD, medicinal mushrooms, detox support, and bodywork approaches

My Approach

The goal is not perfection.

The goal is progress, resilience, and a dog who can eat better, feel better, and live longer.

When I work with a dog mom, I want to understand the dog in front of us. What is the history? What has already been tried? What changed? What keeps coming back? What does the food bowl look like? What is the stress load? What does the stool say? What does the skin say? What does the behavior say? What does the whole dog say?

From there, we can start making more thoughtful decisions.

That may include fresh food and canine nutrition changes, gut and microbiome support, low-tox lifestyle changes, inflammation support, nervous system support, essential oils, herbs, homeopathy, CBD, medicinal mushrooms, targeted supplements, testing conversations, or simply helping you stop doing ten random things at once.

Because sometimes the next best step is not adding more.

Sometimes it is understanding what matters most right now.

A More Thoughtful Way Forward

When your dog is struggling, you do not need more noise. You need clarity.

You need someone who can help you look at the whole dog, ask better questions, and choose the next best step without panic, pressure, or another round of internet rabbit holes.

If your dog is itchy, anxious, inflamed, gut-sensitive, aging, medically fragile, or stuck in chronic symptoms, The Well Oiled K9 was created to help you find a more thoughtful path forward.

Ready to stop guessing and start understanding what your dog may need next?

Schedule a consultation or join the member forum to start building a clearer wellness plan for your dog.

Join MY Community
Request A callback
Community Forum
See Our Service Packages

Dana Brigman Certifications

 
 
Dana Brigman Dog Nutritionist With Her Dog Poppy

Dana Brigman with Poppy on the Beach

It is my hearts desire to serve you and your dog on a wellness journey.

 
 

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. But I am certified in canine nutrition, aromatherapy, homeopathy, herbs, reiki, and a certified dog trainer / behaviorist.  All information shared is based on education, personal experience and research regarding behavior, wellness, nutrition, raw feeding, and canine health. 

Nothing written on this site regarding nutrition and wellness is intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. You are expected and encouraged to research information on your own, validate your thinking, discuss issues with your vet & make informed educated decisions on your own about your pet’s well-being.

All rights reserved. Content on this site may not be reproduced in whole or in part without expressed written consent of Dana Brigman.

 
 
Petworks Approved

Our Service Areas:

 

North Myrtle Beach

The Well Oiled K9, conveniently located in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is passionate about providing comprehensive and holistic wellness services for dogs. We know they are family to you and your goal is health and longevity. We offer expert in-home or phone consulting service on raw dog food, homemade dog food, holistic wellness coaching, natural remedies for dog allergies, dog nutrition consulting, aromatherapy consulting, and homeopathic education. As a certified behaviorist, I leverage all things natural wellness and nutrition to help improve your dog's behavior and overall health. Ask me about Essential Oils, High Quality CBD, and other products to support your dog’s well-being.

Travel options are available for consultations or can do online support.

 

Myrtle Beach

The Well Oiled K9, conveniently located near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is dedicated to providing comprehensive and holistic wellness services for your furry companion. We offer expert consulting on raw dog food, homemade dog food, holistic wellness coaching, natural remedies for dog allergies, dog nutrition consulting, aromatherapy consulting, and homeopathic education. Our behavior programs leverage all things natural wellness and nutrition to help improve your dog's behavior and overall health.

We are happy to travel to you for consultations or can do online support.

Ask us about pet wellness products— essential oils, CBD, Homeopathy and all things natural wellness.

Travel options are available for consultations or can do online support. We also serve Horry County, Carolina Forest, Surfside, Conway, Aynor, etc.

 

Wilmington, NC

The Well Oiled K9, servicing Wilmington, North Carolina, is a one-stop shop for all your canine health and wellness needs. We offer a wide range of services, including holistic behavior coaching, natural remedies for dog allergies, dog nutrition consulting, raw dog food specialists, aromatherapy consulting, and homeopathic education. We also offer coaching and training on behavior resolution and include natural wellness protocols. Our team of experts, includes a local expert for in-home visits. We are dedicated to helping you keep your furry friend healthy and happy, using only the best, all-natural products and techniques. Whether your dog is suffering from allergies or nutritional deficiencies or you just need a little help through the overwhelm, The Well Oiled K9 is here to help. Schedule time with us today and discover the difference that our commitment to holistic wellness can make for your furry friend!

Ask us about pet wellness products — essential oils, CBD, Homeopathy and all things natural wellness.

Travel options are available for consultations or can do online support. We also serve Brunswick County, Calabash, Shallotte, Ocean Isle, Southport, Leland, and Bolivia. And Hampstead, Topsail Island, Pender County.

Google Business Profile HERE

My Story

In 2012, I made the difficult decision to walk away from my 21-year career in corporate America. I was completely burned out and beaten down. Countless hours spent on-call, dealing with difficult people, and meeting mission-critical requirements had taken their toll on me. In the early years of my career, it was a dream job I never thought I would leave the success and achievements behind. As time went on, I realized how much I had sacrificed.

I had become a stranger to my own life, constantly traveling on airplanes and staying in impersonal hotels. My dogs, my two failed marriages, my solitary existence with no kids or siblings—I had neglected them all. My pursuit of success had consumed me, and I genuinely believed that my hard work and dedication would be recognized and rewarded. Sadly, corporate America proved me and my longtime colleagues wrong. We were replaced by younger, less expensive college graduates with shiny new MBAs.

Seeing the writing on the wall, I knew I had to come up with a backup plan—a Plan B. But my previous attempts at finding an alternative path had been disastrous. I had been betrayed by an accountant, a financial advisor, an investment opportunity and even some family members, leaving me to pick up the pieces and spend years in recovery mode.

I wondered what legacy I would leave behind. Retirement was not an option I was ready for; I needed something meaningful to fill the void. I had been fostering dogs for a long time, taking on some of the most challenging cases. And in my search for what to do with my newfound free time, a thought emerged from within me—a spark that ignited a new path: I would become a dog trainer.

This path was paved by my own dog, Vinnie. Little did I know how much I would learn—lessons that I wished I had known years earlier for the sake of my other dogs' health and well-being. I had been the dog mama who thought I was doing everything right—providing top-tier medical care, feeding them premium food, keep up with vet appointments, preventing fleas and tick, heartworms, and so on. Everything my vet said, I did.

I was wrong—so incredibly wrong.

My journey into dog training truly began when Vinnie, a rescue dog with a history of aggression, entered my life as a foster. He spent six weeks in a board and train program and then joined me in weekly group training for over a year. It was in this training program that I fell in love with seeing dog’s overcome their bad behavior. It reminded me so much of my dance teaching days! During that time, I also fostered other dogs with behavioral issues. Vinnie became my demonstration dog when I started my training business, showcasing his progress and how well he behaved around most people—unless they invaded his personal space. Managing interactions became a daily challenge, and the stress mounted when visitors came to my house or when I had to arrange pet sitters while I traveled for work.

Through this experience, I came to intimately understand the stress and worry that dog owners go through when their beloved pets exhibit behavioral issues. I felt the loss of friendships and the inability to participate in activities with my dog. I also experienced the pain of losing more than a few dogs to various health conditions—an acute pancreatic attack, Cushing's disease, accidental consumption of bleach during my childhood, heart conditions, and even unexpected deaths.

Each of these dogs, including Vinnie, taught me invaluable lessons—lessons about dogs and about life itself. Looking back, I realize that every single dog I've encountered has imparted wisdom upon me. I've transformed these lessons into a fulfilling career, focusing on behavior issues, particularly aggression and anxiety. It breaks my heart to witness the frequency with which these issues plague many households. I've seen young dogs succumb to premature deaths, families struggle with unhappy situations, and rescue groups forced to make difficult decisions for deemed "unadoptable" dogs.

Driven by the desire to make a difference, I embarked on a relentless quest for answers and options. I sought out unconventional paths, not simply new training techniques or tools, but unexpectedly found myself delving into nutrition, emotions, natural wellness, toxin elimination, improved vaccine schedules, and cleansing protocols. Phrases like "anger lives in the liver," "anxiety resides in the kidneys," and "abandonment affects every system of the body" piqued my curiosity, propelling me into an intense pursuit of understanding their implications for dogs and what could be done about them. The more I learned, the more astounded I became at the remarkable results I witnessed in my clients.

As I witnessed these transformative results, I couldn't help but question my own health and emotional well-being. Had I truly processed the pain of two failed marriages, the loss of friendships, and the betrayals by those closest to me? No, I had buried those emotions deep within, unaware of their potential impact on my overall wellness. Eventually, I found myself in the hospital, grappling with heart-related issues. I came to understand that joy resides in the heart and that the absence of joy and the burden of heartbreak can lead to a decline in health.

Discovering answers to behavioral issues, supporting overall health, and reclaiming a state of wellness and longevity for both myself and the dogs I worked with became my mission. And I soon realized that I could achieve these goals by following the same guiding principles. Not only did this save me money, but it also provided me with even more incentives. While natural wellness and emotional well-being don't eliminate the need for training in most behavior cases, they yield better results when combined.

I encounter skepticism every day, with people doubting the validity of what I do. I, too, was once skeptical until I witnessed results that were impossible to dismiss. But those with open minds have been astonished by the transformative outcomes they've experienced.

Today, I consider it a disservice not to share the available options for implementing natural wellness regimens for dogs, for oneself, and for one's family. If I can help even one dog, I consider it a significant accomplishment. If I can impact the lives of many, I feel that I am truly fulfilling my purpose.

Some argue that they cannot afford healthy food or supplements for themselves or their pets, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Yes, you can afford it.

They say our animals teach us invaluable lessons if we are willing to listen and understand. My dogs have taught me how to help others and how to pursue a fulfilling career that I am genuinely passionate about.

Whether your dog suffers from allergies, has recently received puppy vaccines, exhibits aggression or anxiety, experiences premature aging or reaches those so-called senior years, or even faces a health diagnosis, I am confident that there are ways to support your dog's wellness. I know that you can implement integrative natural wellness into their lives.

Schedule time with me, Dana Brigman -- the inquiry is always free.    The coaching and resources to support you and your pet is always included in my programs.