Chloe Fuller, the talented pet nutritionist joining Graeme Hall on Channel 5’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, has a story that is as inspiring as it is extraordinary. At just 27, Chloe has overcome life-changing health challenges, trained her own assistance dogs, and carved out a rising career on television.
Tonight, viewers will see Chloe alongside Graeme — famously known as The Dogfather — as they tackle some of the UK’s most troublesome pooches. Chloe’s expertise is especially put to the test when a vegan couple asks whether their dog can safely follow a plant-based diet.
But Chloe’s presence on-screen comes with a question many fans have asked: why does she use a wheelchair and a feeding tube?
Chloe’s journey began at age 13 when a seemingly minor infection escalated into a serious illness. Diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Chloe’s heart rate would spike when she stood up, leaving her fatigued and in pain. Doctors later discovered that her POTS had been triggered by Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a genetic condition causing fragile joints, chronic pain, and fatigue.
By 16, Chloe required a wheelchair, and her digestive system was failing due to POTS. After spending three months in hospital, doctors recommended tube feeding. Reflecting on the experience, 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.”
Chloe’s determination didn’t stop there. Facing long waiting lists for an assistance dog, she decided to train one herself. At 15, she met Ted, a springer spaniel who would become her lifelong companion. Recalling their first meeting, Chloe says she collapsed at the breeder, and Ted instinctively sat on her chest — a moment that changed everything. Within 13 months, Ted became a fully qualified assistance dog through the charity Dog AID. Chloe later trained a second dog, Cinnabar, and with their support, she qualified as a dog nutritionist herself.
Chloe explains to Your Dog magazine how her personal experiences shaped her career:
“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.”
Her journey into television has been equally remarkable. With nearly 80,000 Instagram followers, Chloe has appeared on This Morning, Steph’s Packed Lunch, and Crufts. She credits broadcaster Clare Balding for inspiring her media path after a chance encounter at Crufts in Birmingham. Since then, Chloe was scouted at Dogfest and has been steadily building her media career, now culminating in 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 powerful reminder of resilience, determination, and the bond between humans and their furry companions.
