diff --git a/units/systemd-vmspawn@.service.in b/units/systemd-vmspawn@.service.in
index fc4522ddb8..496b651177 100644
--- a/units/systemd-vmspawn@.service.in
+++ b/units/systemd-vmspawn@.service.in
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ ExecStart=systemd-vmspawn --quiet --register=yes --keep-unit --network-tap --mac
 KillMode=mixed
 Type=notify
 Slice=machine.slice
+{{SERVICE_WATCHDOG}}
 
 {# Enforce a strict device policy. Make sure to keep these policies in sync if you change them! #}
 DevicePolicy=closed