Licking, licking, licking!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Murphy has been licking his right paw, between two toes now since tues. I cleaned it off, cut all the hair around it I case it was a Matt or something caught in the hair, and to keep it dryer.
We have put a sock on and as hard as we try to keep it on with cloth tape, he finds a way to get it off. Now he has gotten it all red and I'm suspecting an infection is brewing. There is absolutely nothing there that we can see. No abrasions, thorns, insect bites, it's not tender to touch and he let's us touch it without pulling away.
Any suggestions other than some antibiotic ointment and keeping it wrapped and dry? Does this seem like an allergy type behavior? Licking for no reason, but only in one spot?

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Awww Maddie looks so sad. I thought about shaving up higher at first, but he just licked right between two toes. He has been acting fine otherwise. I'd be very concerned if his appetite changed as he's always had a great one. That would be a big red flag for me. I appreciate your sharing this.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Please update us on Murphy when you can. Thinking of you both. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Bonnie, this is my first chance to get online to update. Murphy had a much better night and morning with his licking. I shaved more hair and really inspected his foot, then soaked and put newsprint and a dressing on it for most of the day and unwrapped at 8:00 when I sat down to brush him out. The area was a nice pink with no swelling or redness like earlier. He left it alone for the most part, so I left it open to air. He sleeps like a log so I knew he'd leave it alone all night. He did well in the morning and all day from what DH could see. I've put all his chew toys out for him to use.
I'm hoping it was just an irritation that he made into a hot spot. I did learn a lot about foxtails though as I researched that yesterday. I know to really watch out for them now.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I am so glad to hear that Murphy is doing better. Foxtails are evil things. I'm glad it doesn't seem to be one of those buggers. He is such a good boy leaving that foot alone now.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm glad Murphy's paw is better! Hope it continues to heal without any veterinary intervention needed.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thank you Karen, I got some good advise on here and was prepared to talk to the vet about foxtails if we had to go. I'm just in a watch and wait mode to be sure he doesn't re-irritate it. He still licks it occasionally.