i change the pads once a day....he doesnt seem to be irratated but it just turns brown.....just there.....not the belly....we keep the belly shaved really short........i use the serenity pads.....if it is staining it then why would my breeder use them on her show dog....i was told that that was the reason why she used them was to keep the long hair from staining....so now i am confused.....oh well this is a real learning experience.....something new every day.....