Where Merdilo came from
Merdilo grew out of a simple question: how are you supposed to know whether your dog is really resting when they're left alone? A lot of things only become clear once you start watching everyday patterns: barking, whimpering, quiet, reactions to noise, or the moment that first flicker of unease shows up.
I wanted it to work right away, on the gear most pet parents already have at home. A phone, tablet, or laptop stays with your dog as the camera. A second device is with you as the live view. Sound recognition happens locally on the device, and the video and audio from home come straight to you, with no server in between.
Why I write the Merdilo blog
The Merdilo blog exists to help you better understand your dog's behavior, especially when they're home alone, reacting to noise, feeling stressed by a change in routine, or need calm, gentle training.
I write about the topics tied to everyday dog care: time alone, stress, sleep, noise, travel, and the technology that helps you keep an eye on your dog.
What I don't pretend to be
I'm not a veterinarian or a certified behaviorist, and I won't pretend this blog can replace a consultation with a specialist.
Merdilo articles are meant to help you understand a problem, organize what you've noticed, and get ready for a conversation with a vet or a dog behaviorist. They aren't a diagnosis, a treatment plan, or instructions for giving medication.
How I approach the articles
When I write, I rely on trustworthy sources: scientific research, materials from veterinary and behavioral organizations, official regulations, and information about how Merdilo works.
When a topic touches on health, medication, anxiety, or serious stress, I try to write carefully: using phrasing like "may help", "for some dogs", "worth checking with a vet" instead of promising a guaranteed result.
I want the articles to be practical but honest, so that you know what you can watch for on your own and what should send you to a specialist.
What sources I use
In the articles I link to sources where it matters: research, organizational guidelines, official government pages, or product documentation.
I'm especially careful with topics like separation anxiety, traveling abroad, privacy, and data security. I don't get into pharmacology or specific products (prescription medications, behavioral supplements) - that's the domain of veterinarians and veterinary behaviorists.
What you'll find on the Merdilo blog
On the Merdilo blog you'll mainly find:
- guides on leaving your dog home alone,
- articles on anxiety, noise, storms, and fireworks,
- articles on sleep, stress, and everyday behavior patterns,
- guides on travel and dog care,
- explanations of Merdilo features, like the Calm Score,
- articles on privacy and the technology in the app.
What you won't find on the Merdilo blog
On the Merdilo blog you won't find:
- diagnosing your dog over the internet,
- medication dosages,
- promises that one method will work for every dog,
- scare tactics aimed at pet parents,
- articles pretending to be veterinary advice.
If your dog has severe anxiety, self-injury, signs of pain, a sudden change in behavior, or a health issue, the best step is to reach out to a vet or a behaviorist.
Contact
If you'd like to report a mistake in an article, suggest a topic, or ask about Merdilo, email me at contact@merdilo.com.
I usually reply within 2 business days.
- Damian