What is the symbolic meaning of Salamano's dog in the novel?

In
, the relationship between Salamano and his dog is analogous to both the
relationships between Mersault and his mother and between Raymond and his Arab girlfriend.  The
dog reminds Meursault of his mother; therefore, the dog is a symbol for that which is lost,
dead, or abused.

First, Salamano is more heat-broken about losing his mangy
dog than Meursault is about his mother dying.  This is not to say that Meursault does not love
his mother; on the contrary, it shows that he appreciates his mother's life and refuses to
excessively mourn her death (the way that Salamano weeps over his dog).

If
The Stranger is an existential indictment of people who choose death over
life, then Salamano is guilty as charged.  He seems to care more about the dog now that it is
gone than he did when it was alive.  Camus is morbidly poking fun at the fact that most people,
like Salamano, are addicted to the culture of death and guilt.  As a result, they refuse to live
meaningful lives.

Secondly, the relationship shows how violence can damage
relationships.  Salamano would beat his dog simply because it is old, just as Raymond would beat
his girlfriend simply because she is a woman.  Both men harbor violent tendencies toward weaker
creatures, most likely because they are addicted to the culture of death, guilt, and
suffering.

On the other hand, the absurd hero Meursault chooses the simple
pleasures of life: he enjoys the sun, the beach, smoking, and sex; as a result, he does not need
to engage in a power struggle with those who are defenseless.