For Sprocket it was an allergy thing, I think, even after his bath, that night and his walk, he would "smell", so I took to wiping him down, extra on his feet when he came in from his walk, I used just warm water and a wash cloth, though I didn't have a happy dog, I got rid of the grass pollen and the stinky feet, so we had no chewing and licking.
We live in golf course country and the grass pollen is awful so right now Sprocket is on his allergy meds and extra care from the walks and cross your fingers, no chewing or rash. My vet didn't have too much info except of course more meds to take which I don't like to do, but as long as there is no infection, maybe just keeping them clean and the trimming the hair will work
. Another thought, I heard that dogs sweat through their feet, so maybe that is part of the smell? Those who know, is this true?