Excessive paw licking

Question
My 4 year old cocker spaniel mix (Erin) has recently (within the last 2 weeks) begun excessive licking of her right front paw.  She seems to concentrate on the pad area of the paw.  Both my husband and I have examined the paw and can't see any injuries, foreign bodies, etc.  Erin doesn't protest when we inspect the paw, so I don't think that it is sore.  She's licking to the point that she doesn't even pay attention to us when we are asking her for attention.  

She was boarded at our veterinarian's over the week of the 4th of July and this behavior began soon after we brought her home.  The vet's office reported that she was happy and well-adjusted during her stay with them.

Do you have any ideas what could be causing this behavior?

I also have a secondary question.  Two evenings ago, Erin was out taking her evening constitutional before bedtime.  While she was out, someone close by fired off some firecrackers.  Erin panicked and wouldn't go back outside.  Now Erin will not go outside when it's dark.  Do you have any suggestions for me to help her gain confidence that the backyard is a safe environment after dark?

Answer
Sometimes excessive licking is caused by allergies, or a problem elsewhere in the body (a pinched nerve could cause discomfort in another part of the body) Sometimes it is an obsessive behavior (like OCD in humans)Since it started right after a stressful boarding experience, and is around the 4th of July, I'd suspect that might be a problem. If the vet doesn't think it's a physical issue, I'd start doing daily training sessions with her, and giving her very consistent structure and routine. Dogs are less anxious if they know what is coming next, and what is expected of them. And training is also useful for building confidence and giving her something else to think about. You can also try an elizatethan collar (those plastic disks that dogs wear after surgery - they now come in a more comfortable soft model which still doesn't allow the dog to get to the body part being licked.) If the problem gets to the point where she is causing herself injury, or it's not getting better, I'd discuss with your vet a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist who can prescribe anti-anxiety drugs. Your vet can prescribe them, but if he's not specializing in that area, it would be good if at least he was able to consult with a specialist for the best choice of meds, and the best results. Sandy Case MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com