Once critters associate your garbage with an easy meal, they'll be back. Make sure your garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and consider lashing them with bungee cords. Mountain lions can take down any dog.
Coyotes snack on house cats.
Keep an eye on your pets and bring them inside at night. If coyotes have been seen, keep your cat in at all times. Once they know it's there, they'll be regulars. Animal pets will frequent your yard for apples, peaches, pears, and avocadoes, particularly if they're in easy reach. Raccoons often use open, uncapped chimneys as nests.