diff --git a/watchdog.spec b/watchdog.spec
index 228b34e..9031c30 100644
--- a/watchdog.spec
+++ b/watchdog.spec
@@ -31,6 +31,8 @@ Patch99:      0004-watchdog-5.13-rhseldoc.patch
 BuildRequires:    gcc
 BuildRequires:    libtirpc-devel
 BuildRequires:    systemd-units
+# Required because patches touch configure.ac and Makefile.am:
+BuildRequires:    autoconf, automake
 
 Requires(post): systemd
 Requires(preun): systemd
@@ -67,6 +69,7 @@ expiration) initiated by the BMC.
 %patch9 -p1
 %patch10 -p1
 %patch99 -p1 -b .rhseldoc
+autoreconf -i
 
 cp %{SOURCE2} .
 cp %{SOURCE3} .