Chihuahua puppy claws, why are they falling off?

Question

I have 2 female chihuahuas, one is almost 2 and the other is just over a year old.
The thing is, a couple of days ago I found one of the youngests claws on the floor and another 2 today.

They seem to be falling off, or breaking off, there's no blood and she doesn't seem to be in any pain walking, and after checking her "toes" she still seems to have part of the nail there.
I find this really strange as it's never happened to my eldest Chihuahua.

Does anyone know if this is normal? could she have some sort of infection in her claws that they are falling off?
Something else that I though might be that she was loosing puppy claws? not that I know if this is something that can happen as I never noticed it with my first Chihuahua.
I know that they loose there puppy teeth, does the same happen with claws?

Or could it even be that they need trimmed and like human nails are breaking off because they are not clipped short enough?

Any answers would be helpful!

thanks

I regularly groom both my pets but get scared when I cut them as I don't want to clip them too short, it's so hard to see how far I can clip them as there are no noticable lines.

Thanks KayKay, I have actually noticed that she does bite them at times and I find it really strange, I just have never picked up any of the nails before so you can understand why I was worried!
just wanted to put my mind at ease incase there was something wrong with her.

Answer 1

Hi,if you cannot clip their nails, accordingly they may be accidentally snagging them off on blankets, or in their kennels etc. I would take them to the vet next week. They may also be lacking some important vitamins. I have a chi breeding buisiness and I never heard of such a thing. So please don't hesitate to get the professional advice. I know they don't normally like their nails cut, so a groomer could help you cut them. A vet would examine their skin and teeth and nails to see if there is an underlying cause of the problem. Have a nice day and I hope you find your answers. Denise:)

Answer 2

I think you answered your own question:

Could it even be that they need trimmed and like human nails are breaking off because they are not clipped short enough?

Most likely. Take her to a groomer and check it out. Call your vet for suggestions.

If you don't like cutting/trimming the nails yourself, it costs about $5-10 to have it done at any groomer/pet store/vet.

This should be done every couple of weeks, or whenever the nails seem to be long.

Problems that can occur if you dont:

- Ingrown nails.
- Sore toes, foot pads, redness and swelling.
- Discharges from ingrown nails and powerful odors.

Answer 3

dogs'nails do need to be trimmed regularly. just like people, some have nails that grow much faster than others. if your dogs nails are brittle, they can crack and break off just like yours can. you should check their nails regulary, because nails that grow too long, if they dont break off ( or the dog does not chew them orr--some will) they can cause problems walking. have someone show you how to do this. its very easy, but if you cut too short, they bleed profusely--and the dog will never want u to do it again! good luck

Answer 4

I'm a chihuahua breeder,, and DON'T panic... sometimes,, the will "chew" their toenails... I have one that I NEVER have to trim her nails.. she bites them, a lot like a human would bite their nails......... funny as it may seem it's true... I think they are more human than we give them credit for.

Answer 5

dogs nails usually do not fall off.... do you trim them weekly??? if not,, they are probably way too long and the dog is probably biting them off herself... how sad,,, please regularly groom your pet