Meet Dana Brigman Certified Holistic Pet Health Coach & Canine Nutritionist for Dogs

Inquire Today
Dana Brigman With Dogs

You love your dog. That is the starting point for everything.

You want your dog healthy, comfortable, clear-eyed, mobile, emotionally steady, and truly thriving — not just getting by. And when something feels off, you notice. Maybe the itching starts again. The stool changes. The anxiety gets worse. The energy drops. The diagnosis comes. Or you simply have that gut feeling that something deeper needs attention.

That is where my work begins.

I’m Dana Brigman, a certified Holistic Pet Health Coach and Canine Nutritionist specializing in dogs. Through The Well Oiled K9, I help dog parents build practical wellness plans using fresh food, raw feeding guidance, gut health support, essential oils, herbs, homeopathy, nutrition, lifestyle changes, and whole-dog support.

I am located in North Myrtle Beach, SC and offer in-home and virtual consultations by Zoom for pet parents who want a more thoughtful, prevention-focused approach to their dog’s health.

Why Pet Parents Come to Me

Most pet parents are not struggling because they do not care. They are struggling because they are overloaded.

There is too much conflicting advice, too many products, too many opinions, and not enough help connecting the full picture. One person says food. Another says supplements. Another says behavior. Another says medication. Another says detox. Another says “just wait and see.”

Meanwhile, your dog is still uncomfortable, anxious, inflamed, itchy, stiff, tired, reactive, aging, recovering, or cycling through the same issues again and again.

I help you step back and look at the whole dog: food, digestion, inflammation, stress, environment, behavior, toxin load, nervous system health, organ support, emotional patterns, and long-term resilience.

Because when we connect the pieces, we can make better decisions.

How I Got Here

My background started in dog training and behavior, but over time I kept seeing the same thing: behavior and health are rarely separate.

Dogs labeled as stubborn, reactive, anxious, sensitive, itchy, hyper, or difficult often had more going on beneath the surface. Pain, gut imbalance, inflammation, poor nutrition, stress, detox burden, hormones, environmental triggers, and chronic discomfort can all change how a dog feels and behaves.

That changed how I worked.

I stopped looking at symptoms in isolation and started looking at the patterns underneath them. Food matters. Gut health matters. Stress matters. Recovery matters. The nervous system, immune system, skin, digestion, and behavior are all having a conversation — whether we are listening or not.

That whole-dog view is now the foundation of my work.

What I Help With

As a Holistic Pet Health Coach and Canine Nutritionist, I help pet parents who want support with:

• Fresh food, raw feeding, gently cooked meals, and hybrid feeding
• Gut health, loose stool, reflux, food sensitivities, and digestive support
• Allergies, itching, yeast, hot spots, and skin issues
• Anxiety, stress, behavior changes, and nervous system support
• Senior dog wellness, mobility, comfort, and cognitive changes
• Recovery support after illness, injury, surgery, medication use, or major health events
• Prevention-focused wellness and longevity planning
• Natural support options including herbs, essential oils, homeopathy, mushrooms, probiotics, minerals, and targeted supplements
• Detox pathways, organ support, immune balance, and inflammation support
• Better questions and more productive conversations with your veterinarian

I do not replace your veterinarian, diagnose disease, prescribe medication, or handle emergencies. Your veterinarian is essential for diagnostics, medical treatment, prescriptions, surgery, and urgent care. My role is different. I help you build the nutrition, lifestyle, and natural wellness support around that care.

My Approach

I do not believe most dogs need one magic product. I believe they need a better foundation.

That foundation often includes better food, stronger digestion, lower inflammatory load, thoughtful supplements, appropriate movement, nervous system support, toxin reduction, and a plan that actually fits your dog and your real life.

I work in layers:

• Nutrition as the foundation
• Gut health and microbiome support
• Inflammation and recovery support
• Nervous system and behavior support
• Detox and organ support when appropriate
• Essential oils, herbs, homeopathy, and energy work used thoughtfully
• TCVM and 5 Element perspectives to better understand patterns
• Practical steps that help you stop guessing and start observing your dog more clearly

I hold certifications and education in canine nutrition, raw feeding, animal aromatherapy, herbal education, homeopathy education, Reiki, Healing Touch, Raindrop Technique, and holistic pet health coaching. I also continue to study, research, and work with a network of peers and professionals because this field keeps evolving — and your dog deserves better than outdated one-size-fits-all advice.

Recovery, Prevention, and Longevity

The heart of my work is helping dogs eat better, feel better, recover better, and support a longer, healthier life.

Some pet parents come to me after a diagnosis. Some come after years of allergies, gut issues, anxiety, or recurring symptoms. Some come when their senior dog is slowing down and they want more comfort and better quality of life. Others come early because they want to be proactive instead of waiting for the wheels to fall off the wagon.

This work is not about chasing symptoms forever. It is about building resilience.

We look at what your dog is eating, how they are digesting, how they are moving, how they are sleeping, how they are recovering, how much stress their body is carrying, and what support may help them feel better day to day.

That is longevity-focused dog wellness. Practical. Personalized. Rooted in the dog in front of us.

What This Means for You

When you work with me, you are not just getting more information. You are getting help sorting the information.

You get a clearer understanding of your dog, a more organized plan, and guidance that helps you make decisions with more confidence.

We look at where your dog is now, what has already been tried, what may be missing, and what steps make the most sense next. No shame. No panic. No throwing sixteen supplements at your dog because someone in a Facebook group yelled about it in all caps.

Just a better way to think through your dog’s health.

Local and Virtual Consultations

I am located in North Myrtle Beach, SC and offer in-home consultations in select local areas. I also work with pet parents by Zoom for canine nutrition and holistic pet health coaching.

Zoom works very well for this type of support. Intake forms, diet history, symptom patterns, photos, videos, lab work when available, and a good conversation can tell us a lot.

If you are ready to stop guessing and build a more thoughtful wellness plan for your dog, I would love to help you take the next step.

Explore my pet health coaching packages, complete the questionnaire, or visit the community forum for more education and support.

Join MY Community
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.