Problems with incessantly biting/licking herself

Question
Hello. I live with my mom and we both live near her father, and he frequently goes on trips. He has (what I am told is) an Australian Shepherd, about three or four years old. He goes on lengthly trips, and has tried bringing her with him, but she doesn't like being confined or tied up for long periods of time, so whenever he goes on trips he drops her off over here with us. (Just as a note, when she has been confined/tied up while she is on the trip with him, he usually never leaves her alone that way.)

Now, my grandmother recently died about a year ago, and he has remarried, moved out of his house and into his new wife's house. We needed to move out of our apartment so he let us move into his old house. We live in the mountains. The dog is used to this place anyway, (and I think  prefers it,) because she grew up here, so it never has been territory unfamiliar to her. She has plenty of space to run around, both here and in her owner's house.

My mom and I are uncomfortable with him always leaving her here when he goes on trips, he usually travels about three or four times a year, maybe more. And that probably isn't healthy for the dog, if he isn't there enough with her. My mom and I both agree that the best thing for the dog would be for him to give her to somebody who will be at home all the time, perhaps with a big family, giving her the attention she needs. She loves it when there are people around, especially men, and/or boys, she loves to play.

It also doesn't help since I am not a dog lover at all, personally I find them somewhat grotesque, and it grosses me when they eat, and the fact that they slobber, etc. Therefore, I'm really of no help to her; I don't enjoy playing with her, and I'm sure it just worsens her anxiety when Grandpa isn't around.

Well, the problem is she is constantly licking herself, particularly her stomach, private parts, and paws. She bites at her paws though, front and back. She does this INCESSATNLY. She isn't raw or anything though.

Why does she do this? I've often wondered if it is emotional because Grandpa is gone. She adores him. A lot of the time when she is here she won't eat, and sometimes seems generally depressed. If in fact his absence is the case, it's certainly no way to keep a pet. I've talked to my mom about just telling him that it isn't healthy for her, that it might be better for her if she were with a family that is there all the time, etc, and my mom said that he probably wouldn't do that. He loves the dog, and though he might know that would be better for her, he doesn't want to give her up.My grandpa can be a stubborn man sometimes, and when he has an idea about something that's just the way it is, there's really no getting around it.

Just wondering if you could help me with this problem. If you could, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I apologize for the lengthiness of my question.

Answer
Your fathers dog is probably licking herself due to skin irritations, either as a result of an allergy, skin infection or flea infestation. I suggest that she be taken to a vet for a thorough exam and appropriate treatment discussed.

As far as care, families often travel and are able to take their pets along. If the dogs owner is unable to care for her during his travels or to have her boarded, then finding a home that appreciates her qualities and can provide the love a companionship a dog needs is the best solution.