There have been five dog attacks so far this year. It's a problem that's happening to meter readers from Colorado Springs Utilities.

They're worried that number is only going to rise once summer gets here because more dogs will be outside.

Meter readers are asking all homeowners to make sure you keep your dog inside or restrained in the backyard.

L. Ray Allen is a meter reader for Springs Utilities. He has been attacked by a dog more than a handful of times.

"I was looking at the location of the next meter. I suddenly felt something pulling on my face. I didn’t know what it was at first, but then I realized a dog was ripping off half my lip and chin,” said Allen.

He has a permanent reminder of the incident with a scar that goes down the right side of his chin.

"We send cards to homeowners if there is a potential dangerous situation. On those cards, the homeowner has to phone in what their meters say or call it in on the OTIS system," said Montey Ninaus with Springs Utilities.

"I go to 250 homes a day. I might have a problem with 10, but those 10 could be deadly," said Allen.

He wants homeowners to beware. "All dogs bite no matter what size they are. You might think they’re your companion, but if a meter reader comes, he's your protector," said Allen.

Besides meter readers, dogs also attack postal workers. Eight carriers were bit last year in Colorado Springs. If you don't restrain your dog on a regular basis, the post office said might stop delivering mail to your house.