Tamworth Greencross Vets veterinarian Dr Libby Pagan said the clinic "commonly" treated pets who hadn't been properly protected against parasites.

She said now is the time to make sure our furry friends aren't in the firing line for things like fleas, worms and ticks.

"Since we've had a bit of rain we're starting to see some parasites emerging ... and we're starting to head into Christmas time and school holidays, so people might be welcoming new members of the family, new puppies and kittens," Dr Pagan said.

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The Tamworth vet said mosquitoes could carry heartworm, and ticks could be brought home from holidays or even from a hike in the hills surrounding Tamworth.

"We do certainly see ticks, more in the hilly country, but also people travelling back from the coast, it's also really common to find that their animals are carrying a tick or a tick can even be carried in on their belongings or in their vehicle and they're transported to the family pet," Dr Pagan said.

"Even though ticks aren't endemic to Tamworth, they can certainly see some brought in, it's certainly a threat and not uncommon for them to be brought to Tamworth or acquired in the hilly country."

Gastrointestinal parasites like worms are also important to defend a pet against, because they can be transferred to kids.

"Young children can acquire worms from puppies and kittens so it's really important we break the cycle there and don't share these parasites," Dr Pagan warned.

She said there is some confusing marketing around what pet owners need to do to protect against parasites, and the best idea is to contact your regular vet to find out what the best process is.

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