diff --git a/lib/systemd.c b/lib/systemd.c
index 81b0400ab9..c5cc3aa447 100644
--- a/lib/systemd.c
+++ b/lib/systemd.c
@@ -114,8 +114,10 @@ void systemd_send_started(struct thread_master *m, int the_process)
 	systemd_master = m;
 
 	systemd_send_information("READY=1");
-	if (wsecs != 0)
+	if (wsecs != 0) {
+		systemd_send_information("WATCHDOG=1");
 		thread_add_timer(m, systemd_send_watchdog, m, wsecs, NULL);
+	}
 }
 
 void systemd_send_status(const char *status)