Della Riley, 42, also was shot by a bullet that ricocheted when Cincinnati police fired at the dog when it "aggressively charged" at them inside her home, police said in a news release.
Authorities say the woman was already dead when the bullet hit her - in fact, before officers even arrived.
The dog died in the shooting.
Police were called to her home about 1 p.m. Wednesday for a report of a person having a seizure.
Neighbors told FOX19 they saw a small boy running around asking for help after the incident.
"The mother had a seizure. I don't know if the dog got scared or whatever but he attacked her and ripped her throat out," said Jon Seymoure, who lives next door.
A dog was guarding Riley's body when medics arrived, so police were summoned. The animal charged at them when they arrived.
In addition to the pit bull, she also had a rottweiler.
The investigation is ongoing. FOX19 will provide updates as they become available.
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