Can anyone explain human allergies to dogs (how they manifest)?

[jenn D]

This is probably not the best title but I'm looking for what things trigger an allergic reaction in humans who are allergic to dogs. My daughter made a friends and they are hitting it off. Mom of the girl says girl is allergic to most dogs. So we are very careful when she is around our house since we have 4 doodles. So far no reaction but I don't let doodles get near her. Last weekend we had a playdate at our schools playground. Mom of girl asked if we could bring the dogs to the playground and she let her dsughter pet them. She had no reaction even after some significant petting. However, the mom said she did break out in hives after being licked by a Labrador previously so I did not let the dogs lick the girl.
So I just want to know how best to protect this child when they are over. I figure just to keep the dogs away but how much should I clean first and would that do any good? Can you be allergic to dog saliva and not touching them? I'm confused about what people are allergic to. I hear 'dander' comments thrown about and I just don't understand. The mom is very nice and said "don't you have hypoallergenic dogs? Maybe that's why she is ok." I told her my boys don't shed but dogs are still dogs and aren't really hypoallergenic. I'm glad her daughter did not react to the boys at the playground but I just want to keep everyone safe when she comes over.
I'm very confused over this allergy thing. Can anyone shed some light for me? I've heard some people are allergic to certain breeds. Is this true or bunk? This girl is very delightful and becoming fast friends with my daughter so I want to be sensitive to her needs. The dogs are not allowed upstairs anyway because all the tiny toys are up there in the kids room and loft so that is a relatively dog free space but the reality is we still live with 4 doodles.
Thanks for the help doodle friends. Big Mac and PB&J say hi!

[Adina P]

Are you only allergic to animals?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It would be very unusual if that were the case. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is a little bit off point, but another factor in allergic reactions to dogs is the fact that dogs carry outdoor allergens into the house. There is a large percentage of people who suffer from allergy symptoms but have never been tested; often, when these people experience allergy symptoms if they are around dogs in an indoor environment, they may conclude that they are allergic to dogs when in fact they may be allergic to pollens on the dog's coat and in the dog's area. 

This is one reason that for dogs who have pollen allergies themselves, it's advised that you thoroughly wipe the dog down before he comes into the house from outside, to help prevent the pollens from being brought in. Obviously, this would be important for humans with pollen allergies, too. 

[Marni and Hanna]

so do any of these characteristics (a specific protein, some breeds produce more of it, some individual animals produce more of it)  carry over to why someone may be allergic to cats, but not dogs, or some cats but not all cats?

[F, Calla & Luca]

Cat antigens are different than dog antigens. And the reason some animals are more allergenic is not clear but has to do possibly with amount of dander etc.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

My Jack tested for positive for allergy to cat dander. 

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

It is a crap shoot for sure. I knew I was taking a chance when I got my doodles. I would have a reaction just being around someone who had been around a dog. So I went dog less for many many years:-(.
I luckily have no reaction to either of mine, but I was prepared to do what I had to if I did in order to keep them ( they bring us such joy) if I did.
I can say that I'm sure they bring in other environmental allergens from the outside, as I definitely have more symptoms in the spring and fall. This winter, none.

[Richard Crowe]

Maltese, like doodles, poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, etc., etc.) are "supposed" to be hypoallergenic.  We have had a lady at one of our rescue events ask to hold a Maltese to see if she had an allergic reaction.  As she was holding the dog, her eyes reddened and she began wheezing.  The poor lady sobbed, "I want a dog so badly but, I can't even live with a Maltese!"

I really felt sorry for her because dogs are some of the most important facets of my life!