I have the same problem with my little chihuahua. I haven't had them removed (and she's about 2 years old) but I have to constantly keep them cut short or they grow right around to her pad. She doesn't ever get them caught on things, but we have mostly wood floors in our house, so carpet isn't an issue. Still, they are a huge pain to deal with.
Luckily Lola's breeder had hers removed as a baby.