Thanks so much we will try these sugestions
my in-laws have a black lab who does this. They mix equal parts baby oil, listerine and water to spray on her feet. It works. They apply it roughly weekly.
Our shih tzu, age three, does the same thing. Some think it is a behavioral problem. Do you think he could be bored or understimulated? Can you shave his feet to see if there are any rashes?
You could try bitter apple spray or mix some hot pepper with a bit of water and put this on his feet to discourage the complusive licking.
lonewolf