This is the moment a heroic puppy saves its elderly owner, who fell and could not get up, by barking to alert neighbours.

Footage shows the small dog, believed to be a brown poodle, yapping non-stop with all its might, raising the alarm with the woman's neighbours in Henan, China, on November 27.

The neighbours eventually heard the loud barking and rushed over to the woman's home, where they found her injured and unable to get up or seek help.

The woman received timely assistance and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Grateful family members praised the pet's intelligence and loyalty, while residents hailed the quick response that likely saved her life.

The woman's son, Mr Zeng, said: 'My mum is 84 years old this year. Since the start of the pandemic, she has been living alone in our rural hometown. Because she can take care of herself and we siblings are busy with work, we usually visit her on weekends.

'However, a few days ago, she had an accident while cooking in the kitchen and fell.

'The little dog by her side discovered it and barked desperately at the door.

'Thankfully, our brothers in the village and my niece-in-law, Xiao Luo, noticed in time and immediately took her to the hospital. Now, my mum has safely passed the critical stage.'