An investigation is underway after a man was filmed kicking a dog by the side of a road.

Video of the incident, posted to Facebook on Monday afternoon, was viewed more than 125,000 times in about two hours before it was taken down.

The uploader said she observed the man punch the dog with a closed fist, and that the video was filmed on Queensland's Gold Coast.

RSPCA Queensland said they were aware of the video and an investigation was underway.

"It's pretty disturbing," RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said.

"There's no way you can treat an animal like that.

"We will certainly look into it.

"If you're not happy with the way your dog walks on a lead you should be taking that dog to training."