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Lymphatics, senior dogs, parasite follow-up — plus some changes at The WellOiledK9 and a favor I need from you.

Hi friends,

I owe you a little bit of a do-over.

Last week’s newsletter didn’t quite make it out the way it was supposed to, but I’m actually glad we’re catching it now because August’s parasite work, September lymphatics, and what I’ve been thinking about with our senior dogs all connect.

The common thread is movement.

Moving fluid. Moving waste. Moving nutrients. Maintaining muscle.

And quite literally — keeping the dog moving.

For our seniors especially, I want us to stop automatically accepting every change as:

“Well… he’s getting old.”

Aging changes the dog. Absolutely.

But that doesn’t mean we stop asking what we can support.

🐛 First: How Did Your August Parasite Support Go?

If you participated in the August parasite protocol, I want to hear how it went.

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You may have no idea who I am, what The Well Oiled K9 is, or why I keep talking about a membership.

So let me start there.

The Well Oiled K9 Membership Is Not a Paid Newsletter

Substack is simply one way I communicate.

The Well Oiled K9 Membership is a much larger education, resource and support program for dog parents who want to understand their dogs better, make more informed decisions and have a reliable place to turn when the next question comes up.

And with dogs, there is always a next question.

Who Am I — And Why Am I Teaching This?

I’m Dana Brigman, a Certified Holistic Pet Health Coach and canine nutritionist (Cert.CN), and I’ve spent more than a decade working professionally with dogs and their people.

My work actually started heavily on the behavior and training side, but over the years it became impossible for me to separate behavior from what was happening physically in the dog.

Food matters. Digestion matters. Pain matters. Hormones, stress, sleep, the nervous system and environment matter.

What we put in, on and around our dogs matters too.

That led me deeper into canine nutrition, fresh feeding, aromatherapy, herbs, homeopathy, Reiki and other complementary approaches to canine wellness.

Today, I look at the whole dog.

Your dog.

That may mean improving the food bowl, supporting an aging dog, understanding allergies or digestive problems, learning how to use natural remedies more confidently, navigating a chronic health diagnosis or recognizing that an anxious or reactive dog may have more going on than a training problem.

I don’t believe every dog needs a complicated protocol and twelve supplements.

I also don’t believe every question should end with, “Ask your vet,” with no further education or explanation.

Veterinary care matters.

So does understanding your own dog well enough to notice changes, ask better questions and make thoughtful decisions.

That middle ground is where much of my work lives.

Why I Built The Membership

I kept watching dog parents get good information, use it successfully…and then end up right back at square one when the next issue came along.

The dog stopped eating.

Diarrhea showed up.

An allergy flare started.

The senior dog suddenly seemed different.

A new supplement was recommended.

A lab value changed.

Someone wanted to improve the diet or learn how to use essential oils, herbs or homeopathy.

And back to Google or Facebook they went.

Google can give you 4,000 answers, three sponsored products and six new reasons to panic before breakfast.

Facebook can be even worse.

Ask one dog question in a large group and by lunchtime someone has told you to change the food, never change the food, give pumpkin, never give pumpkin, fire your veterinarian, buy seven supplements…and occasionally what a terrible dog mom you are for not already knowing all of this. 😂

I wanted to build something more useful than that.

A place where you can learn.

A place where you can come back when something changes.

A place where the information builds on itself instead of starting over every single time.

And a community of dog moms who are trying to do many of the same things you are:

Help their dogs eat better, feel better and live longer.

What Do We Talk About?

A lot.

Because dogs rarely present us with one neat little problem living in its own box.

Inside the membership you’ll find education and resources around:

Nutrition & Fresh Food — improving the bowl, homemade and fresh feeding, ingredients, protein rotation, fats, hydration and feeding through different stages of life.

Natural Remedies — essential oils, herbs, homeopathy, botanicals and understanding when different types of support may make sense.

Digestive Health — diarrhea, reflux, nausea, appetite problems, food sensitivities, elimination diets and recurring GI problems.

Chronic Health Concerns — education and supportive strategies around conditions involving the kidneys, liver, pancreas, thyroid, heart, skin, immune system and more.

Senior Dogs & Longevity — mobility, cognition, nutrition, prevention and keeping older dogs comfortable, engaged and participating in life.

Behavior & The Whole Dog — anxiety, fear, reactivity, stress, nervous-system health and the physical pieces that can influence behavior.

Seasonal Wellness — parasites, environmental exposures, lymphatic support, seasonal detoxification, immune support and proactive care throughout the year.

First Aid & Everyday Questions — including learning what belongs in the watch it, support it, schedule an appointment or get to the vet now category.

The goal isn’t for you to memorize protocols.

The goal is for you to become much better at understanding your own dog.

So What Do Members Actually Get?

This is where the membership is very different from simply subscribing to a newsletter.

Your Private Member Resource Library

The member area at WellOiledK9.com is the heart of the membership.

This is where you’ll find the material that deserves more than a Facebook post:

Guides. Protocols. Classes. Educational articles. Seasonal resources. Troubleshooting information.

It is designed to become the place you check first when something comes up with your dog.

And yes, there’s a lot in there.

You don’t have to learn it all at once.

Part of my job is helping you figure out which information actually applies to the dog standing in front of you.

Live Member Classes & Sessions

Rather than holding meetings just for the sake of having another meeting on everybody’s calendar, I’m using our live time to actually teach.

Classes and live sessions focus on subjects members repeatedly need help understanding: nutrition, homemade food, allergies, natural remedies, senior dogs, chronic conditions, seasonal wellness and other practical topics.

When a live session is held, it is recorded and made available to members so you don’t have to rearrange your life every time I turn on Zoom.

Guides & Protocols

Members have access to an expanding collection of practical guides and protocols that you can return to again and again.

I don’t want you digging through six months of Facebook comments trying to remember what I once said about lymphatics, elimination diets or senior support.

Important information needs a permanent home.

That’s what the resource library is for.

The Remedies Class

My Remedies Class teaches you how I think about essential oils, herbs, homeopathy, natural first aid and building a useful home wellness toolkit.

The Homemade Food Class

The Homemade Food Class teaches you how to think about fresh feeding and balanced homemade food instead of handing you one recipe and pretending your dog should eat it forever.

Annual members receive both complete classes as part of their membership.

Private Member Conversation & Questions

Members also have private places to ask general questions and participate in conversation with me and other members.

You can use the paid-member Facebook group if Facebook is where you’re most comfortable.

If Facebook makes you want to throw your phone into the ocean — I understand 😂 — you can use the private Well Oiled K9 community instead.

The important distinction is that these are member spaces.

My public Holistic Dogs group and public social-media pages are educational spaces for a much larger audience. They are not where I provide individualized dosing, protocols or ongoing guidance.

Membership gives us an actual relationship and a much more appropriate place for those conversations.

What Membership Is NOT

This part matters.

The membership provides education, resources, community and group-level support.

It is not unlimited private consulting.

It does not replace an individualized consultation when your dog needs custom diet formulation, extensive history review, detailed lab interpretation, individualized protocols or ongoing case management.

And it is certainly not emergency veterinary care.

Sometimes your question will have a very straightforward answer.

Sometimes I’ll point you directly to a guide, class or protocol.

Sometimes we’ll talk through it in the member community.

And sometimes I am going to tell you:

“This needs more than a membership answer.”

That’s not me brushing you off.

That’s me recognizing that your dog deserves more than an educated guess based on three sentences in a Facebook comment.

Private consultations are available when that deeper level of support is needed, and members receive preferred pricing on eligible services.

You Don’t Have To Be “Super Holistic”

You do not need to arrive feeding a perfectly balanced raw diet from a stainless-steel bowl while diffusing Frankincense and growing medicinal herbs in the backyard. 😂

Some members have been immersed in holistic wellness for years.

Some are just beginning.

Some feed raw or gently cooked food.

Some are trying to improve the kibble bowl they feed today.

Some use herbs, essential oils and homeopathy regularly.

Others are trying to figure out what the heck all three even are.

Some are managing significant chronic health issues.

Others have healthy dogs and want to keep them that way.

There is no purity test at the door.

My approach is food-first, whole-dog and lower-tox.

I like fresh food.

I use essential oils, herbs, homeopathy and other complementary modalities.

I think prevention deserves far more attention than it normally receives.

But I also live in the real world.

You start where you are.

Then we learn what makes sense to do next.

So Where Does Substack Fit Now?

Substack is one of my communication channels.

You’ll still find public articles and occasional member communication here, and you can follow along if this is the platform you enjoy using.

But you do not need Substack to be a Well Oiled K9 member.

Membership now lives directly through WellOiledK9.com.

That’s intentional.

Your membership shouldn’t disappear into a social-media feed.

Your classes, guides, protocols and important resources need a permanent home where you can actually find them again.

The website is that home.

The private communities give us the conversation.

Our live sessions give us the opportunity to go deeper.

And Substack gives me another way to reach people who want to read what I’m teaching.

They all serve different purposes.

Why Join?

Because chances are you’re already spending money on your dog.

Food.

Supplements.

Veterinary visits.

Products somebody recommended online.

Things you tried because they sounded promising.

Maybe even an impressive collection of half-used bottles sitting in a cabinet because somebody on Facebook said, “You NEED this.”

Sometimes the most valuable thing you can have isn’t another product.

It’s better information before you buy the next one.

The membership is designed to help you understand what matters first, recognize foundation problems, ask better questions, understand your options and make more intentional decisions.

Most importantly, you stop starting from scratch every single time something changes.

My goal isn’t to make you dependent on me.

It’s to help you become extremely good at knowing your own dog — while giving you reliable education, resources and guidance to come back to when you need them.

Membership

Monthly Membership — $29/month

Annual Membership — $299/year

Annual membership also includes my complete Homemade Food Class and Remedies Class.

If You Just Found Me Today

You don’t need to join because one article happened to land in your feed.

Read some of my work.

See how I think.

See whether my approach to dogs makes sense to you.

But if you’re already the dog parent who keeps thinking:

There has to be more I can do.

I want to understand this better.

I want to be proactive instead of waiting for something to go wrong.

Or maybe simply:

I want this dog here and healthy for as long as I can possibly have her.

Then you’re exactly who I built this membership for.

Eat Better. Feel Better. Live Longer.

Welcome to The Well Oiled K9.

Dana

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Weekly live group support, practical holistic guidance, member-only content, community conversations, and discounts that help you keep learning—without turning every question into a full consultation.

Ready to get started?

Subscribe to The Well Oiled K9 Membership

Purchase the Remedies Class Only

Purchase the Homemade Food Class Only

Choose monthly membership for ongoing community support, or choose the yearly membership to receive the complete Remedies Class and Homemade Food Class at no additional cost while your yearly membership remains active.

You love your dog. You just need a better place to sort through the noise.

Food, allergies, gut issues, anxiety, senior dog changes, supplements, products, natural remedies, and those “Is this normal?” moments can get overwhelming fast.

One person says chicken and rice. Another says Benadryl. Someone else says change the food. Then the internet gives you 37 open tabs and no actual plan.

Not every question requires a full consultation.

Sometimes you need:

• Quick direction

• A better question to ask

• Help understanding a product or label

• Guidance on which resource applies to your dog

• A clearer idea of what may matter first

Some dogs do need deeper support. Part of the value of this community is learning the difference between a simple next step, a helpful guide, and a situation that deserves private support.

This is not just a library. It is a support rhythm.

Every member receives:

• Live group support

• Member-only content

• Community access

• Replay access

• Discounts on wellness guides

• Discounts on consulting services

• Help finding the right guide, class, replay, or next step

Yearly members also receive the complete Remedies Class and Homemade Food Class at no additional cost.

The point is not to collect more information. The point is to understand what applies to your dog and where to start.

See the available wellness guides

How the community works

The community is built around connection, reminders, live support, and practical direction—not random posts floating into the void.

Tuesday Live Support Calls

Live Zoom calls are the heart of the membership.

Members can submit questions, listen in, learn from other dog parents, and receive practical direction from Dana.

Some calls may focus on a specific theme. Others may be guided by member questions. Some will be a little bit of both.

The goal is always the same: to help you understand what to look at next.

The monthly schedule includes:

• Two Tuesday Lunch & Learn calls each month for members who prefer daytime support

• Two Tuesday evening support calls each month for members who need an after-work option

• Replay access when you cannot attend live

• Question submission so focused questions can be addressed during the calls

Choose the community space that works for you

Some people love Facebook. Some people would rather chew tinfoil.

Members can use the community space that feels easiest.

Private Facebook Group

The Facebook group provides a familiar place for:

• Reminders

• Community discussions

• Dog updates

• Product questions

• Member conversations

Substack Chat

Substack Chat provides a quieter, more organized space for discussions, questions, reminders, and support threads.

Members may use the Facebook group, Substack Chat, or both.

Neither space provides private one-on-one coaching. Membership questions should be posted in the community spaces or submitted for the live calls—not sent through private messages, direct email, or text.

Keeping questions inside the community allows everyone to learn from the discussion.

What can you bring to the community?

This is where we talk through the “What else can I do?” moments that come up when you are trying to support your dog naturally.

Food and feeding

• Fresh food and food transitions

• Raw or gently cooked feeding

• Kibble upgrades and toppers

• Homemade food questions

• Food labels and ingredient concerns

Common wellness questions

• Allergies, itching, yeast, and skin support

• Gut health, loose stool, and digestive support

• Anxiety and nervous system regulation

• Senior dog wellness and comfort

• Seasonal support

• Recovery support

Natural support options

• Supplements

• Herbs

• Homeopathy

• Essential oils

• CBD

• Product and label questions

• “My veterinarian recommended this. What should I understand?”

• “Which guide or class should I start with?”

For past clients

You may not need private support every day, but you may still want a lower-cost way to stay connected, reminded, and proactive.

Membership can help you continue with:

• Monthly wellness reminders

• Seasonal protocols

• Product updates and discussions

• Food and supplement conversations

• Replay access

• Smaller follow-up questions

• Ongoing education

• A way to stay consistent instead of slowly drifting back into old habits

For new members

If you are brand new to The Well Oiled K9, membership is a lower-cost way to become familiar with Dana’s approach before booking private support.

You can:

• Hear how Dana thinks through dog wellness concerns

• Ask focused questions

• Learn from other dog parents

• Understand what may matter first

• Discover when a guide or class may be enough

• Recognize when a deeper private review would be the better fit

What Every Member Receives

Monthly and yearly members receive the same core community support.

Live group support

Weekly Zoom support with daytime and evening options throughout the month.

Community access

Access to the private Facebook group and/or Substack Chat.

Replay access

Watch the support call replays when you cannot attend live.

Member-only content

Members receive access to seasonal reminders, practical protocols, wellness topics, support resources, and the FAQ resource:

What Can You Try Right Now—Until I Can Answer You?

Member discounts

All members receive discounts on:

• Wellness guides

• Consulting services

• Additional educational resources when offered

Resource direction

Get help finding the right guide, class, replay, or next step instead of getting lost inside a large resource library.

Who This Community Is For

This community may be a good fit for:

• Dog parents who want better answers than random Facebook advice

• Past clients who want continued education and connection

• New members who want to learn Dana’s approach

• Prevention-minded dog parents

• People exploring fresh food and natural wellness

• Dog parents who want a calmer place to ask questions

• People who want practical education without booking a full consultation for every question

What This Community Is Not

Membership does not include:

• Private case management

• Emergency support

• Custom diet formulation

• Lab interpretation

• Medication guidance

• Unlimited one-on-one coaching

• A replacement for veterinary care

My goal is not to make you dependent on me.

My goal is to help you become a better observer, ask better questions, and become a more confident advocate for your dog.

I want you to understand what may matter first, when something may be simple, and when your dog deserves a deeper review.

Membership Options

Both membership plans include:

• Live group support

• Community access

• Replays

• Member-only content

• Discounts on wellness guides

• Discounts on consulting services

The difference is that the yearly membership also includes both complete classes.

Monthly Membership — $15 Per Month

Monthly membership includes:

• Weekly live group support

• Private Facebook group and/or Substack Chat

• Replay access

• Member-only content

• Seasonal resources and reminders

• Discounts on wellness guides

• Discounts on consulting services

• Help finding the right resource or next step

The following are not included with monthly membership:

• Remedies Class

• Homemade Food Class

Monthly members may purchase either class separately.

Choose Monthly Membership

Yearly Membership — $150 Per Year

The yearly membership saves you $30 compared with paying monthly for twelve months.

Yearly membership includes everything provided with monthly membership, plus:

The Complete Remedies Class

This class includes education on:

• Essential oils

• Herbs

• Homeopathy

• Botanicals

• Natural remedy safety

• First aid support

• The complete First Aid Guide

The Complete Homemade Food Class

This class provides step-by-step guidance for:

• Understanding homemade feeding

• Choosing appropriate ingredients

• Building balanced meals

• Understanding proteins, organs, fats, vegetables, and supplements

• Recognizing common homemade feeding mistakes

• Making practical food adjustments for your dog

Both classes are included at no additional cost while your yearly membership remains active.

Choose Yearly Membership

Prefer to Purchase a Class Without Joining?

You do not have to join the membership to purchase either class.

Remedies Class

Learn how essential oils, herbs, homeopathy, botanicals, and first aid resources may be used as part of your dog’s natural wellness toolkit.

Purchase the Remedies Class Only

Homemade Food Class

Learn how to make more informed, balanced homemade meals for your dog without relying on random recipes from the internet.

Purchase the Homemade Food Class Only

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between monthly and yearly membership?

Both plans include live group support, community access, replays, member-only content, and discounts on guides and consulting services.

The yearly membership also includes the complete Remedies Class and Homemade Food Class.

Those two classes are not included with monthly membership.

Can I purchase either class without joining?

Yes.

You may purchase the Remedies Class or the Homemade Food Class as a stand-alone product without joining the membership.

Is this private coaching?

No.

The membership includes group support, education, resource direction, live calls, replays, and community discussions.

It does not include private case management, custom protocols, custom diet formulation, lab interpretation, or unlimited one-on-one coaching.

Can I ask questions about my dog?

Yes.

Members may ask focused, general education questions inside the community spaces or submit questions for the live support calls.

Some questions can be answered directly. Others may be better addressed through a guide, class, replay, or private consultation.

What if I cannot attend the live calls?

Replays will be available so you can still learn from the support calls when you cannot attend live.

Can I use Facebook instead of Substack Chat?

Yes.

Members have access to the private Facebook group and Substack Chat. You may use whichever space works best for you—or use both.

What if my dog has a complex health issue?

You are still welcome inside the community, but complex cases may require a private Wellness Roadmap, consultation, or support package.

When a question requires a deeper review, Dana will tell you directly.

Bring the Question. We’ll Sort the Next Step.

Choose monthly membership for affordable ongoing support, or choose the yearly membership to save on the membership itself and receive both complete classes at no additional cost.

Subscribe to The Well Oiled K9 Membership

Purchase the Remedies Class Only

Purchase the Homemade Food Class Only

You’re receiving free posts from Dana Brigman. Free posts will still be informative and helpful. I promise. Similar to social media —with better organization and resource availability — without all of the other noise and limitations.

You have the option to receive notifications of new posts in your email, the substack app (yes there’s an app) or simply check-in when desired.

Dana Brigman
welloiledk9.com

To get every post and other paid subscriber benefits, upgrade to a paid subscription. There will be richer content for paid members, including guides, interactive Q&A beyond what I can cover on FB, seasonal protocols, live sessions, discounts on service packages, etc.

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