Yeast thrives in warm, dark, and moist areas, and this is why a yeast infection between a dog’s toes is a common problem.
It may be that a Maltese starts to chew at his paws due to one reason (acute injury, stress, allergies, etc.) but then a yeast infection develops due to the paw(s) being constantly moist from saliva.
Alternatively, a yeast infection on the paws can be the single root cause of itching, licking, and chewing. This may begin due to areas between the paw pads or between the toes staying moist after baths and/or becoming wet from walking outside.
Signs:
Itching, and subsequent licking, chewing, or biting at the paws may be the only sign. However, in many cases, and particularly once yeast has had time to multiple enough, there will be an odd odor.
This may smell like corn chips (note that while it is common for a dog’s paws to smell like corn chips, it is not normal, it is a sign of an overgrowth of yeast) or a sour, moldy, or musty smell.