Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

A US firefighter who was lowered by helicopter into a swollen river to rescue a dog managed to hang on safely - even after the frightened canine bit him.

At least 50 firefighters had responded to reports that the German shepherd was stuck in the Los Angeles river.

Officials said the male dog, nicknamed Vernon after the Californian town where he was found, was fine.

Footage courtesy ABC News