A 72-year-old man is in a critical condition in hospital after he was bitten on the throat by a dog at a friend's house north of Adelaide last night.

Key points: The 72-year-old man tripped and fell before the dog attacked him

The 72-year-old man tripped and fell before the dog attacked him He was rushed to hospital with injuries to his head and neck

He was rushed to hospital with injuries to his head and neck The local council is investigating the incident

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the dog attack, which happened at a home at Willaston near Gawler.

"About 7:00pm police and paramedics were called to a house in Princess Street … after reports that a man had been attacked," police said in a statement.

Police said the man tripped and fell over before the dog, believed to be a bull mastiff, attacked his face and neck.

The victim was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

SA Ambulance said the man was bitten on the throat, and has undergone surgery on injuries which are believed to be life-threatening.

The Town of Gawler council confirmed the dog had been involved in "a previous attack incident" involving another dog.

It said the owners were cooperating with the council investigation and had agreed to put the dog down.

Neighbour Sue Smith said the dog attacked a friend's pet dog a year ago.

"I'm not surprised this has happened ... [It's] very sad and it shouldn't be happening," she said.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said her "thoughts and prayers" were with the man and his family, adding that she "hopes he makes a full recovery".