A MAN has been mauled to death by his pet dog after suffering an apparent epileptic fit and collapsing unconscious in his home on the NSW South Coast.

The 51-year-old was found dead in his Douglas Street unit at Nowra on Monday, with the horrific nature of his injuries first leading police to believe he had been murdered.

Dozens of officers, some in forensic suits, swooped on the quiet neighbourhood and established a crime scene.

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But, after further forensic testing and examination of the post-mortem results, NSW Police on Thursday confirmed the death was no longer being treated as suspicious.

Investigators believe the man may have suffered an epileptic fit before he was mauled by his pet dog, reported to be a Staffordshire bull terrier.

Sources say the man was likely unconscious at the time of the attack which saw him lose a large amount of blood.

Police will now prepare a full report for the information of the NSW Coroner.

Shoalhaven City Council rangers have since seized the dog from the unit.