SALINAS, Calif. -- A Salinas police officer is recovering Tuesday after being mauled by his own dog.

Police said the officer was trying to break up a fight between his two dogs when one of them, a Rottweiler, turned on him.

"He had to defend himself, ended up shooting the dog. Additionally, other officers called to scene to help and when they arrived they were also attacked by the dog and officers ended up shooting the dog," said Juan Ruiz with the Salinas Police.

The spokesman said the veteran officer was "chewed up pretty bad," but is expected to be OK.

Neither dog was part of the department's K-9 unit.