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The vast majority of travellers to the Canary Islands risk little more than sunburn, hangovers and overspending. Petty theft can be a problem in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and in the big south-coast resorts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, but with a few simple precautions you can minimise the danger. Carry valuables under your clothes and be aware of people who get unnecessarily close to you. Never leave anything visible in cars and, if possible, don't leave anything valuable in the boot (trunk). Hire cars are targeted. Take care with your belongings on the beach, and don't leave anything valuable lying around your room. Use a safe if one is available, even though you'll almost always have to pay for the convenience.
If you develop diarrhoea, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, preferably an oral rehydration solution such as Dioralyte. If diarrhoea is bloody, persists for more than 72 hours or is accompanied by fever, shaking, chills or severe abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention.
Heat exhaustion occurs following excessive fluid loss with inadequate replacement of fluids and salt. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness and tiredness. Dehydration is already in play by the time you feel thirsty - aim to drink sufficient water to produce pale, diluted urine. To treat heat exhaustion, replace fluids through water and/or fruit juice, and cool the body with cold water and fans.
Mosquitoes are found in most parts of Europe. They may not carry malaria, but they can cause irritation and infected bites. Use a DEET-based insect repellent.
Bees and wasps cause real problems only to those with a severe allergy (anaphylaxis). If you have a severe allergy to bee or wasp stings, carry an 'epipen' or similar adrenaline injection. Scorpions are mercifully rarer on the Canary Islands than in mainland Spain. Their sting can be distressingly painful but isn't fatal.
In forested areas watch out for the hairy reddish-brown caterpillars of the pine processionary moth. They live in silvery nests in pine trees and, in spring, leave the nest to march in long lines (hence the name). Touching the caterpillars' hairs sets off a severely irritating allergic skin reaction.
Check for ticks if you have been walking where sheep and goats graze: they can cause skin infections and other more serious diseases.
