Shih Tzus

We have an older shih tzu that is with us 24/7. She has separation anxiety and also is a licker. She has lately begun licking herself constantly; mostly her paws but also the anal area. She has always enjoyed licking anyone/anything she can get her paws on. What can we do to stop this incessant licking? She also has a mean streak and hates to be picked up. We rescued her and think she may have been abused in previous environment. She is about 10 years old and very playful.

I would say if she's licking her anal area, she's got something going on down there, such as anal glands that need to be expressed, or an infection, or worms, really hard to tell, so a trip to the vet is in order. The fact that she growls or gets mad when you pick her up may also be an indication that she's in pain. Is she spayed?
As far as her licking you, just gently put her down on the floor, and just don't let her do it.How often do you take her out for a walk? I would say she's bored, and has started licking out of anxiety, and boredom. I use almost anything I can find that they don't like the taste of, something like bitter apple, or Watkins red clover salve. If her paws are red from licking, I would use a treatment ointment, and get it rubbed in well, especially between her toes. What food are you feeding her, and does it contain a lot of grain...another possibility.
Good luck with her, and keep us posted.