With the cats, I'd find some larger sized rocks, like from a rock garden and put them over the dirt. I've done this many times, but smaller rocks they can still dig out. As for the dog, I would try this only on one leaf of the plant at first to be sure that it won't damage it, also you don't want to coat the leaves to much, just a tiny bit so the plant can still absorb oxygen from the air. Also too much could make your dog sick, I have never had mine get sick but it will usually put a stop to inappropriate chewing pretty quickly. USE A LITTLE VICK's SALVE. Just remember not too much. Also they sell several products in pet stores to spray on the plant that is repulsive to the animal. Animals can be such a pain. There has been many times that I wanted to pack mine up and take them all to the pound, but they usually soon make up for all of there mistakes. I'd be lost without my pets.