diff --git a/src/pubsub/pubsub/pubsub_library_v4.py b/src/pubsub/pubsub/pubsub_library_v4.py
index 31b8862..98c14db 100644
--- a/src/pubsub/pubsub/pubsub_library_v4.py
+++ b/src/pubsub/pubsub/pubsub_library_v4.py
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ class MinimalSubscriber(Node):
         ture = timer_overflow >> error 
         false = no timer_overflow >> no error"""
         self.overflow = False
-        if time_limit > 0:
+        if time_limit > 0 and self.has_msg():
             if time.time() > self.last_msg_time + time_limit:
                 self.watchdog += 1
                 self.trust = 0