Provincial police say a Hamilton man — after being warned not to pat a dog — has been treated for a serious bite to his face.

OPP say the 51-year-old approached another man who was walking his St. Bernard on Saturday evening in a community south of Tillsonburg, Ont., and said he wanted to pat the dog.

They say he was warned several times, but ignored the owner's advice and patted the dog on the head.

The startled animal then bit him on the lower face.

Police say the man was taken to a Hamilton hospital with serious injuries and no charges will be laid.