From Life-Threatening Illness to TV Stardom: Chloe Fuller’s Extraordinary Journey with Dogs and Determination

At just 27, Chloe Fuller has already faced more challenges than most people encounter in a lifetime. The talented pet nutritionist, joining Graeme Hall on Channel 5’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, has overcome severe health struggles, trained her own assistance dogs, and carved out an impressive rising career on television.

Tonight, viewers will see Chloe alongside Graeme — famously known as The Dogfather — tackling some of the UK’s most challenging pooches. Her expertise is especially tested when a vegan couple asks whether their dog can safely follow a plant-based diet.

But many fans have been curious about Chloe’s on-screen presence — why she uses a wheelchair and relies on a feeding tube.

A Journey Marked by Courage

Chloe’s health journey began at just 13, when a minor infection escalated into a serious illness. She was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), causing her heart to race whenever she stood, leaving her exhausted and in pain. Doctors later traced her POTS to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a genetic condition that brings fragile joints, chronic pain, and debilitating fatigue.

By 16, Chloe required a wheelchair, and her digestive system was failing. After three months in hospital, doctors recommended tube feeding. Reflecting on the life-changing intervention, Chloe told The Blend Mag:

“When I became tube-fed, there really was a sense of relief. I didn’t have to stress anymore. I no longer had to worry about dying or the pressure to eat. Suddenly, I had more energy than I’d had in years.”

Training Her Own Lifesavers

Determined to regain independence, Chloe faced long waiting lists for an assistance dog — so she trained one herself. At 15, she met Ted, a springer spaniel who would become her lifelong companion. Chloe recalls collapsing at the breeder, and Ted instinctively sat on her chest — a moment she describes as transformative. Within 13 months, Ted was a fully qualified assistance dog through the charity Dog AID. She later trained a second dog, Cinnabar, and their support helped her qualify as a dog nutritionist herself.

Chloe explains to Your Dog magazine:

“I began to understand just how vital nutrients are for us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Overnight, the simple joys of eating, sharing meals, and the enrichment it brings were taken from me — and I wanted to help dogs get the very best nutrition for their lives.”

From Pet Expert to TV Personality

Chloe’s media career has grown rapidly. With nearly 80,000 Instagram followers, she has appeared on This Morning, Steph’s Packed Lunch, and Crufts. She credits broadcaster Clare Balding for inspiring her path after a chance encounter at Crufts in Birmingham. Scouted at Dogfest, Chloe steadily built her television presence, now leading to her role on Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly.

From life-threatening illness to becoming one of the UK’s most inspiring pet experts, Chloe Fuller’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their furry companions.